Ch-36 LRFD Wisdot Box Culvert

WisDOT Bridge Manual
Chapter 36 Box Culverts

Table of Contents
36.1 Design Method ................................................................................................................. 4

36.1.1 Design Requirements ............................................................................................... 4
36.1.2 Rating Requirements ................................................................................................ 4
36.1.3 Standard Permit Design Check ................................................................................. 4
36.2 General ............................................................................................................................ 5
36.2.1 Material Properties ................................................................................................... 5
36.2.2 Bridge or Culvert....................................................................................................... 6
36.2.3 Staged Construction for Box Culverts ....................................................................... 6
36.3 Limit States Design Method ............................................................................................. 7
36.3.1 LRFD Requirements ................................................................................................. 7
36.3.2 Limit States............................................................................................................... 7
36.3.3 Load Factors ............................................................................................................ 8
36.3.4 Strength Limit State .................................................................................................. 8
36.3.4.1 Factored Resistance ......................................................................................... 8
36.3.4.2 Moment Capacity .............................................................................................. 9
36.3.4.3 Shear Capacity ................................................................................................. 9
36.3.4.3.1 Depth of Fill Greater than or Equal to 2.0 ft................................................ 9
36.3.4.3.2 Depth of Fill Less than 2.0 ft .................................................................... 11
36.3.5 Service Limit State .................................................................................................. 11
36.3.5.1 Factored Resistance ....................................................................................... 11
36.3.5.2 Crack Control Criteria...................................................................................... 11
36.3.6 Minimum Reinforcement Check .............................................................................. 12
36.3.7 Minimum Spacing of Reinforcement ....................................................................... 13
36.3.8 Maximum Spacing of Reinforcement ...................................................................... 13
36.3.9 Edge Beams ........................................................................................................... 13
36.4 Design Loads ................................................................................................................. 14
36.4.1 Self Weight (DC)..................................................................................................... 14
36.4.2 Future Wearing Surface (DW) ................................................................................ 14
36.4.3 Vertical and Horizontal Earth Pressure (EH and EV) .............................................. 14
36.4.4 Live Load Surcharge (LS) ....................................................................................... 16
36.4.5 Water Pressure (WA).............................................................................................. 16
36.4.6 Live Loads (LL) ....................................................................................................... 17
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36.4.6.1 Depth of Fill Less than 2.0 ft............................................................................ 17

36.4.6.1.1 Case 1 Traffic Travels Parallel to Span ................................................. 17
36.4.6.1.2 Case 2 - Traffic Travels Perpendicular to Span ....................................... 19
36.4.6.2 Depth of Fill Greater than or Equal to 2.0 ft. .................................................... 20
36.4.6.2.1 Case 1 Traffic Travels Parallel to Span ................................................. 20
36.4.6.2.2 Case 2 Traffic Travels Perpendicular to Span....................................... 22
36.4.7 Live Load Soil Pressures ........................................................................................ 22
36.4.8 Dynamic Load Allowance ....................................................................................... 22
36.4.9 Location for Maximum Moment ............................................................................... 22
36.5 Design Information ......................................................................................................... 24
36.6 Detailing of Reinforcing Steel ......................................................................................... 26
36.6.1 Bar Cutoffs ............................................................................................................. 26
36.6.2 Corner Steel ........................................................................................................... 27
36.6.3 Positive Moment Slab Steel .................................................................................... 28
36.6.4 Negative Moment Slab Steel over Interior Walls ..................................................... 28
36.6.5 Exterior Wall Positive Moment Steel ....................................................................... 29
36.6.6 Interior Wall Moment Steel ..................................................................................... 30
36.6.7 Distribution Reinforcement...................................................................................... 30
36.6.8 Temperature Reinforcement ................................................................................... 31
36.7 Box Culvert Aprons ........................................................................................................ 32
36.7.1 Type A .................................................................................................................... 32
36.7.2 Type B, C, D ........................................................................................................... 33
36.7.3 Type E .................................................................................................................... 35
36.7.4 Wingwall Design ..................................................................................................... 35
36.8 Box Culvert Camber ....................................................................................................... 36
36.8.1 Computation of Settlement ..................................................................................... 36
36.8.2 Configuration of Camber ......................................................................................... 38
36.8.3 Numerical Example of Settlement Computation ...................................................... 38
36.9 Box Culvert Structural Excavation and Structure Backfill ................................................ 39
36.10 Box Culvert Headers .................................................................................................... 40
36.11 Plan Detailing Issues .................................................................................................... 42
36.11.1 Weep Holes .......................................................................................................... 42
36.11.2 Cutoff Walls .......................................................................................................... 42
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36.11.3 Nameplate ............................................................................................................ 42

36.11.4 Plans Policy .......................................................................................................... 42
36.11.5 Rubberized Membrane Waterproofing .................................................................. 42
36.12 Precast Four-Sided Box Culverts ................................................................................. 43
36.13 Three-Sided Structures ................................................................................................ 44
36.13.1 Cast-In-Place Three-Sided Structures .................................................................. 44
36.13.2 Precast Three-Sided Structures ............................................................................ 44
36.13.2.1 Precast Three-Sided Structure Span Lengths ............................................... 45
36.13.2.2 Segment Configuration and Skew ................................................................. 45
36.13.2.3 Minimum Fill Height....................................................................................... 46
36.13.2.4 Rise .............................................................................................................. 46
36.13.2.5 Deflections .................................................................................................... 46
36.13.3 Plans Policy .......................................................................................................... 46
36.13.4 Foundation Requirements .................................................................................... 47
36.13.5 Precast Versus Cast-in-Place Wingwalls and Headwalls ...................................... 48
36.14 Design Example ........................................................................................................... 49
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36.1 Design Method

36.1.1 Design Requirements
All new box culverts are to be designed using AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications,
hereafter referred to as AASHTO LRFD.
36.1.2 Rating Requirements

The current version of AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation (LRFR) covers rating of
concrete box culverts. Currently, the Bureau of Structures does not require rating
calculations for box culverts. See 45.8 for values to place on the plans for inventory and
operating rating factors.
WisDOT Policy Item:

Current WisDOT policy is to not rate box culverts. In the future, rating requirements will be
introduced as AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation (LRFR) is updated to more thoroughly
address box culverts.
36.1.3 Standard Permit Design Check

New structures are also to be checked for strength for the 190 kip Wisconsin Standard
Permit Vehicle (Wis-SPV), with a single lane loaded, multiple presence factor equal to 1.0,
and a live load factor (LL) as shown in Table 45.3-3. See section 45.6 for the configuration of
the Wis-SPV. The structure should have a minimum capacity to carry a gross vehicle load of
190 kips, while also supporting the future wearing surface (where applicable future wearing
surface loads are only applied to box culverts with no fill). When applicable, this truck will be
designated as a Single Trip Permit Vehicle. It will have no escorts restricting the presence of
other traffic on the culvert, no lane position restrictions imposed and no restrictions on speed
to reduce the dynamic load allowance, IM. The maximum Wisconsin Standard Permit
Vehicle load that the structure can resist, calculated including current wearing surface loads,
is shown on the plans. The current version of AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation
(LRFR) does not thoroughly cover rating of concrete box culverts. See 45.8 for values to
place on the plans for maximum (Wis-SPV) vehicle load.
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36.2 General
Box culverts are reinforced concrete closed rigid frames which must support vertical earth
and truck loads and lateral earth pressure. They may be either single or multi-cell. The most
common usage is to carry water under roadways, but they are frequently used for pedestrian
or cattle underpasses.
The minimum size for pedestrian underpasses is 8 feet high by 5 feet wide. The minimum
size for cattle underpasses is 6 feet high by 5 feet wide. A minimum vertical opening of 5
feet is desirable for concrete box culverts for cleaning purposes.
Aluminum box culverts are not permitted by the Bureau of Structures.
Typical sections for the most frequently used box culverts are shown below.
Figure 36.2-1
Typical Cross Sections
Hydraulic and other requirements at the site determine the required height and area of the
box. Hydraulic design of box culverts is described in Chapter 8. Once the required height and
area is determined, the selection of a single or multi-cell box is determined entirely from
economics. Barrel lengths are computed to the nearest 6 inches. For multi-cell culverts the
cell widths are kept equal.
36.2.1 Material Properties

The properties of materials used for concrete box culverts are as follows::
f'c
specified compressive strength of concrete at 28 days, based on cylinder

tests
3.5 ksi for concrete in box culverts
fy
60 ksi, specified minimum yield strength of reinforcement (Grade 60)
Es
29,000 ksi, modulus of elasticity of steel reinforcement LRFD [5.4.3.2]
Ec
=
=
modulus of elasticity of concrete in box LRFD [5.4.2.4]

(33,000)(K1)(wC)1.5(fC)1/2 = 3586 ksi
Where:
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K1
1.0
WC
0.15 kcf, unit weight of concrete
Es / Ec = 8, modular ratio LRFD [5.7.1]
36.2.2 Bridge or Culvert

Occasionally, the waterway opening(s) for a highway-stream crossing can be provided for by
either culvert(s) or bridge(s). Consider the hydraulics of the highway-stream crossing system
in choosing the preferred design from the available alternatives. Estimates of life cycle costs
and risks associated with each alternative help indicate which structure to select. Consider
construction costs, maintenance costs, and risks of future costs to repair flood damage.
Other considerations which may influence structure-type selection are listed in Table 36.2-1.
Bridges
Advantages
Less susceptible to clogging
with drift, ice and debris
Waterway width increases
with rising water surface
until water begins to
submerge structure
Disadvantages
Require more structural
maintenance than culverts
Piers and abutments
susceptible to scour failure
Susceptible to ice and frost

forming on deck
Culverts
Natural bottom for waterway

Grade rises and widening
projects sometimes can be
accommodated by
extending culvert ends
Minimum structural
maintenance
Usually easier and quicker
to build than bridges
Silting in multiple barrel

culverts may require
periodic cleanout
No increase in waterway
area as stage rises above
top of culvert
May clog with drift, debris or
ice
Table 36.2-1
Advantages/Disadvantages of Structure Type
36.2.3 Staged Construction for Box Culverts

The inconvenience to the traveling public has often led to staged construction projects. Box
culverts typically work well with staged construction. Any cell joint can be used for a staging
joint. When the construction staging line cannot be determined in design to locate a cell
joint, a contractor placed construction joint can be done with an extra set of dowel bars and
the contractor field cutting the longitudinal bars.
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36.3 Limit States Design Method

36.3.1 LRFD Requirements
For box culvert design, the component dimensions and the size and spacing of reinforcement
shall be selected to satisfy the following equation for all appropriate limit states, as presented
in LRFD [1.3.2.1]:
Q = i i Qi Rn = Rr
Where:
i
Load modifier (a function of D, R, and i)
Load factor
Qi
Force effect: moment, shear, stress range or deformation caused by

applied loads
Total factored force effect
Resistance factor
Rn
Nominal resistance: resistance of a component to force effects
Rr
Factored resistance = Rn
See 17.2.2 for load modifier values.
36.3.2 Limit States

The Strength I Limit State is used to design reinforcement for flexure and checking shear in
the slabs and walls, LRFD [12.5.3]. The Service I Limit State is used for checking
reinforcement for crack control criteria, LRFD [12.5.2], and checking settlement of the box
culvert as shown in 36.8.1.
Per LRFD [C12.5.3, 5.5.3], buried structures have been shown not to be controlled by
fatigue.
WisDOT Policy Item:

Fatigue criteria are not required on any reinforced concrete box culverts, with or without fill on
the top slab of the culvert. This policy item is based on the technical paper titled Fatigue
Evaluation for Reinforced Concrete Box Culverts by H Hany Maximos, Ece Erdogmus, and
Maher Tadros, published in the ACI Structural Journal, January/February 2010.
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36.3.3 Load Factors

In accordance with LRFD [Table 3.4.1-1 and Table 3.4.1-2], the following Strength I load
factors, st, and Service I load factors, s1, shall be used for box culvert design:
Strength I
Load Factor, st
Type of Load
Max.
Min.
Service I
Load Factor, s1
Dead Load-Components
DC
1.25
0.90
1.0
Dead Load-Wearing Surface
DW
1.50
0.65
1.0
Vertical Earth Pressure
EV
1.35
0.90
1.0
Horizontal Earth Pressure
EH
1.50
0.501
1.0
Live Load Surcharge
LS
1.75
1.75
1.0
Live Load + IM
LL+IM
1.75
1.75
1.0
Per LRFD [3.11.7], for culverts where earth pressure may reduce effects caused by other
loads, a 50% reduction may be used, but not combined with the minimum load factor
specified in LRFD [Table 3.4.1-2].
36.3.4 Strength Limit State

Strength I Limit State shall be applied to ensure that strength and stability are provided to
resist the significant load combinations that a structure is expected to experience during its
design life LRFD [1.3.2.4].
36.3.4.1 Factored Resistance

The resistance factor, , is used to reduce the computed nominal resistance of a structural
element. This factor accounts for the variability of material properties, structural dimensions
and workmanship, and uncertainty in prediction of resistance.
The resistance factors, , for reinforced concrete box culverts for the Strength Limit State per
LRFD [Table 12.5.5-1] are as shown below:
Structure Type
Flexure
Shear
Cast-In-Place
0.90
0.85
Precast
1.00
0.90
Three-Sided
0.95
0.90
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36.3.4.2 Moment Capacity

For rectangular sections, the nominal moment resistance, Mn, per LRFD [5.7.3.2.3] (tension
reinforcement only) equals:
a
Mn = A s fs (ds - )
2
The factored resistance, Mr, or moment capacity per LRFD [5.7.3.2.1], shall be taken as:
a
Mr = Mn = A s fs (ds - )
2
For additional information on concrete moment capacity, including stress and strain
assumptions used, refer to 18.3.3.2.1.
The location of the design moment will consider the haunch dimensions in accordance with
LRFD [12.11.4.2]. No portion of the haunch shall be considered in adding to the effective
depth of the section.
36.3.4.3 Shear Capacity

Per LRFD [12.11.4.1], shear in culverts shall be investigated in conformance with LRFD
[5.14.5.3]. The location of the critical section for shear for culverts with haunches shall be
determined in conformance with LRFD [C5.13.3.6.1] and shall be taken at a distance dv from
the end of the haunch.
36.3.4.3.1 Depth of Fill Greater than or Equal to 2.0 ft.

The shear resistance of the concrete, Vc, for slabs of box culverts with 2.0 feet or more of fill,
for one-way action per LRFD [5.14.5.3] shall be determined as:
A Vd
Vc = 0.0676 f 'c + 4.6 s u e bde 0.126 f' c bde
bde Mu
Where:
Vu de
1
Mu
Where:
Vc
Shear resistance of the concrete (kip)
As
Area of reinforcing steel in the design width (in2)
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36-9
de
Effective depth from extreme compression fiber to the centroid of the

tensile force in the tensile reinforcement (in.)
Vu
Factored shear (kip)
Mu
Factored moment, occurring simultaneously with Vu (kip-in)
Design width (in.)
In the absence of shear reinforcing, the nominal shear resistance is equal to the shear
resistance of the concrete. The factored resistance, Vr, or shear capacity, per LRFD [5.8.2.1]
shall be taken as:
Vr = Vn = Vc
Per LRFD [5.14.5.3], for single-cell box culverts only, Vc for slabs monolithic with walls need
not be taken less than:
0.0948 f 'c bde

and Vc for slabs simply supported need not be taken less than:
0.0791 f 'c bde

The shear resistance of the concrete, Vc, for walls of box culverts with 2.0 feet or more of fill,
for one-way action per LRFD [5.8.3.3] shall be determined as:
Vc = 0.0316 f ' c b v d v 0.25f ' c b v d v

Where:
Vc
Shear resistance of the concrete (kip)
2.0 (LRFD [5.8.3.4.1])
bv
Effective web width taken as the minimum web width within the depth dv
(in.)
dv
Effective shear depth as determined in LRFD [5.8.2.9]. Perpendicular

distance between tension and compression resultants. Need not be
taken less than the greater of 0.9de or 0.72h (in.)
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36.3.4.3.2 Depth of Fill Less than 2.0 ft

Per LRFD [5.14.5.3], for box culverts with less than 2.0 feet of fill follow LRFD [5.8] and
LRFD [5.13.3.6].
The shear resistance of the concrete, Vc, for slabs and walls of box culverts with less than
2.0 feet of fill, for one-way action per LRFD [5.8.3.3] shall be determined as:
Vc = 0.0316 f ' c b v d v 0.25f ' c b v d v

With variables defined above in 36.3.4.3.1.
For box culverts where the top slab is an integral part of the wearing surface (depth of fill
equal zero) the top slab shall be checked for two-way action, as discussed in 18.3.3.2.2.
36.3.5 Service Limit State

Service I Limit State shall be applied as restrictions on stress, deformation, and crack width
under regular service conditions LRFD [1.3.2.2].
36.3.5.1 Factored Resistance

The resistance factor, , for Service Limit State, is found in LRFD [1.3.2.1] and its value is
1.00.
36.3.5.2 Crack Control Criteria

Per LRFD [12.11.3], the provisions of LRFD [5.7.3.4] shall apply to crack width control in box
culverts. All reinforced concrete members are subject to cracking under any load condition,
which produces tension in the gross section in excess of the cracking strength of the
concrete. Provisions are provided for the distribution of tension reinforcement to control
flexural cracking.
Crack control criteria does not use a factored resistance, but calculates a maximum spacing
for flexure reinforcement based on service load stress in bars, concrete cover and exposure
condition.
Crack control criteria shall be applied when the tension in the cross-section exceeds 80% of
the modulus of rupture, fr, specified in LRFD [5.4.2.6] for Service I Limit State. The spacing,
s, (in inches) of mild steel reinforcement in the layer closest to the tension face shall satisfy:
700 e
2dc
s fss
January 2014
(in.)
36-11
in which:
s = 1 +
dc
0.7(h dc )
Where:
e
Exposure factor
(1.0 for Class 1 exposure condition, 0.75 for Class 2 exposure condition,
see LRFD [5.7.3.4] for guidance)
dc
Thickness of concrete cover measured from extreme tension fiber to

center of the flexural reinforcement located closest thereto (in.)
fss
Tensile stress in steel reinforcement at the service limit state (ksi) < 0.6 fy
Overall thickness or depth of the component (in.)
WisDOT Policy Item:

A class 1 exposure factor, e = 1.0, shall be used for all cases for cast-in-place box culverts
except for the top steel in the top slab of a box culvert with zero fill, where a class 2 exposure
factor, e = 0.75, shall be used.
36.3.6 Minimum Reinforcement Check

Per LRFD [12.11.4.3], the area of reinforcement, As, in the box culvert cross-section should
be checked for minimum reinforcement requirements per LRFD [5.7.3.3.2].
The area of tensile reinforcement shall be adequate to develop a factored flexural resistance,
Mr, or moment capacity at least equal to the lesser of:
Mcr (or) 1.33Mu
Mcr = 3 ( 1 fr ) S = 1.1 fr (Ig / c)
S = Ig / c
Where:
1
1.6
0.67
ratio of minimum yield strength to ultimate tensile strength; for
A615 Grade 60 reinforcement
fr
0.24 f ' c Modulus of rupture (ksi) LRFD [5.4.2.6]
Ig
Gross moment of inertia (in4)
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flexural cracking variability factor
36-12
*effective slab thickness (in.)
Mu
Total factored moment using Strength I Limit State (kip-in)
Mcr
Cracking strength moment (kip-in)
The factored resistance, Mr or moment capacity, shall be calculated as in 36.3.4.2 and shall
satisfy:
Mr min (Mcr or 1.33 Mu)
36.3.7 Minimum Spacing of Reinforcement

Per LRFD [5.10.3.1], the clear distance between parallel bars in a layer shall not be less
than:
1.5 times the nominal diameter of the bars
1.5 times the maximum size of the course aggregate
1.5 inches
36.3.8 Maximum Spacing of Reinforcement

Per LRFD [5.10.3.2], the spacing of reinforcement in walls and slabs shall not exceed:
1.5 times the thickness of the member (3.0 times for temperature and shrinkage)
18 inches
36.3.9 Edge Beams

Per LRFD [12.11.2.1], for cast-in-place box culverts, and for precast box culverts with top
slabs having span to thickness ratios (s/t) > 18 or segment lengths < 4.0 feet, edge beams
shall be provided as specified in LRFD [4.6.2.1.4] as follows:
At ends of culvert runs where wheel loads travel within 24.0 inches from the end of
the culvert
At expansion joints of cast-in-place culverts where wheel loads travel over or adjacent
to the expansion joint
The edge beam provisions are only applicable for culverts with less than 2.0 ft of fill, LRFD
[C12.11.2.1].
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36.4 Design Loads

36.4.1 Self Weight (DC)
Include the structure self weight based on a unit weight of concrete of 0.150 kcf. When there
is no fill on the top slab of the culvert, the top slab thickness includes a wearing surface.
The weight of the wearing surface is included in the design, but its thickness is not included
in the section properties of the top slab. When designing the bottom slab of a culvert do not
forget that the weight of the concrete in the bottom slab acts in an opposite direction than the
bottom soil pressure and thus reduces the design moments and shears. This load is
designated as, DC, dead load of structural components and nonstructural attachments, for
application of load factors and limit state combinations.
36.4.2 Future Wearing Surface (DW)

If the fill depth over the culvert is greater than zero, the weight of the future wearing surface
shall be taken as zero. If there is no fill depth over the culvert, the weight of the future
wearing surface shall be taken as 20 psf. This load is designated as, DW, dead load of
wearing surfaces and utilities, for application of load factors and limit state combinations.
36.4.3 Vertical and Horizontal Earth Pressure (EH and EV)

WisDOT Policy Item:
Box Culverts are assumed to be rigid frames. Use Vertical Earth Pressure load factors for rigid
frames, in accordance with LRFD [Table 3.4.1-2].
Use Horizontal Earth Pressure load factors for active soil pressure, in accordance with LRFD
[Table 3.4.1-2]. Using load factors for active soil pressure is a conservative assumption.
The weight of soil above the buried structure is taken as 0.120 kcf. A coefficient of lateral
earth pressure of 0.5 is used for the lateral pressure from the soil. This coefficient of lateral
earth pressure is based on an at-rest condition and an effective friction angle of 30, LRFD
[3.11.5.2]. The lateral earth pressure is calculated per LRFD [3.11.5.1]:
p = k o sz
Where:
p
Lateral earth pressure (ksf)
ko
Coefficient of at-rest lateral earth pressure
Unit weight of backfill (kcf)
Depth below the surface of earth (ft)
January 2014
36-14
WisDOT Policy Item:

For modification of earth loads for soil-structure interaction, embankment installations are
always assumed for box culvert design, in accordance with LRFD [12.11.2.2].
Soil-structure interaction for vertical earth loads is computed based on LRFD [12.11.2.2]. For
embankment installations, the total unfactored earth load is:
WE = Fe sBcH
In which:
Fe = 1 + 0.20
H
Bc
Where:
WE
Total unfactored earth load (kip/ft width)
Fe
Soil-structure interaction factor for embankment installations (Fe shall

not exceed 1.15 for installations with compacted fill along the sides of
the box section)
Bc
Outside width of culvert, as specified in Figure 36.4-1 (ft)
Depth of fill from top of culvert to top of pavement (ft)
Figure 36.4-1
Factored Vertical and Horizontal Earth Pressures
January 2014
36-15
Where:
Wt
Soil pressure on top of box culvert (ksf)
Wb
Soil pressure on the bottom of box culvert (ksf)
ko
Coefficient of at-rest lateral earth pressure
Figure 36.4-1 shows the factored vertical and horizontal earth load pressures acting on a box
culvert. The earth pressure from the dead load of the concrete is distributed equally over the
bottom of the box.
36.4.4 Live Load Surcharge (LS)

Per LRFD [3.11.6.4], a live load surcharge shall be applied where vehicular load is expected
to act on the surface of the backfill within a distance equal to one-half the distance from top
of pavement to bottom of the box culvert.
Per LRFD [Table 3.11.6.4-1], the following equivalent heights of soil for vehicular loading
shall be used. The height to be used in the table shall be taken as the distance from the
bottom of the culvert to the roadway surface. Use interpolation for heights other than those
listed in the table.
Height (ft)
heq (ft)
5.0
10.0
20.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
Table 36.4-1
Equivalent Height of Soil for Vehicular Loading
Surcharge loads are computed based on a coefficient of lateral earth pressure times the unit
weight of soil times the height of surcharge. A coefficient of lateral earth pressure of 0.5 is
used for the lateral pressure from the soil, as discussed in 36.4.3. The uniform distributed
load is applied to both exterior walls with the load directed toward the center of the box
culvert. The load is designated as, LS, live load surcharge, for application of load factors and
limit state combinations. Refer to LRFD [3.11.6.4] for additional information regarding live
load surcharge.
36.4.5 Water Pressure (WA)

Static water pressure loads are computed when the water height on the outside of the box is
greater than zero. The water height is measured from the bottom inside of the box culvert to
the water level. The load is designated as, WA, water pressure load, for application of load
January 2014
36-16
factors and limit state combinations. Water pressure in culvert barrels is ignored. Refer to
LRFD [3.7.1] for additional information regarding water pressure.
36.4.6 Live Loads (LL)

Live load consists of the standard AASHTO LRFD trucks and tandem. Per LRFD [3.6.1.3.3],
design loads are always axle loads (single wheel loads should not be considered) and the
lane load is not used.
Where the depth of fill over the box is less than 2 feet, the wheel loads are distributed per
LRFD [4.6.2.10]. Where the depth of fill is 2 feet or more, the wheel loads shall be uniformly
distributed over a rectangular area with sides equal to the dimension of the tire contact area
LRFD [3.6.1.2.5], increased by the live load distribution factor (LLDF) in LRFD[Table
3.6.1.2.6a-1], using the provisions of LRFD [3.6.1.2.6b-c]. Where areas from distributed
wheel loads overlap at the top of the culvert, the total load is considered as uniformly
distributed over the rectangular area (ALL) defined by the outside limits described in LRFD
[3.6.1.2.6b-c].
Per LRFD [3.6.1.2.6a], for single-span culverts, the effects of live load may be neglected
where the depth of fill is more than 8.0 feet and exceeds the span length. For multiple span
culverts, the effects may be neglected where the depth of fill exceeds the distance between
inside faces of end walls.
Skew is not considered for design loads.
36.4.6.1 Depth of Fill Less than 2.0 ft.

Where the depth of fill is less than 2.0 ft, follow LRFD [4.6.2.10].
36.4.6.1.1 Case 1 Traffic Travels Parallel to Span

When the traffic travels primarily parallel to the span, follow LRFD [4.6.2.10.2]. Use a single
lane and the single lane multiple presence factor of 1.2.
Distribution length perpendicular to the span:
E = (96 + 1.44(S))
Where:
E
Equivalent distribution width perpendicular to span (in.)
Clear span (ft)
The distribution of wheel loads perpendicular to the span for depths of fill less than 2.0 feet is
illustrated in Figure 36.4-2.
January 2014
36-17
LT
+L
96 + 1.44S
LD
F(H
Figure 36.4-2
Distribution of Wheel Loads Perpendicular to Span, Depth of Fill Less than 2.0 feet
Distribution length parallel to the span:
Espan = (LT + LLDF (H))
Where:
Espan
Equivalent distribution length parallel to span (in.)
LT
Length of tire contact area parallel to span, as specified in LRFD

[3.6.1.2.5] (in.)
LLDF
Factor for distribution of live load with depth of fill, 1.15, as specified
in LRFD [Table 3.6.1.2.6a-1].
Depth of fill from top of culvert to top of pavement (in.)
The distribution of wheel loads parallel to the span for depths of fill less than 2.0 feet is
illustrated in Figure 36.4-3.
January 2014
36-18
LT
LT + LLDF(H)
Figure 36.4-3
Distribution of Wheel Loads Parallel to Span, Depth of Fill Less than 2.0 feet
36.4.6.1.2 Case 2 - Traffic Travels Perpendicular to Span

When traffic travels perpendicular to the span, live load shall be distributed to the top slab
using the equations specified in LRFD [4.6.2.1] for concrete decks with primary strips
perpendicular to the direction of traffic per LRFD[4.6.2.10.3]. The effect of multiple lanes
shall be considered. Use the multiple presence factor, m, as required per LRFD [3.6.1.1.2].
For a cast-in-place box culvert, the width of the primary strip, in inches is:
+M:
26.0 + (6.6)(S)
-M:
48.0 + (3.0)(S)
as stated in LRFD [Table 4.6.2.1.3-1]

Where:
S
Spacing of supporting components (ft)
+M
Positive moment
-M
Negative moment
January 2014
36-19
36.4.6.2 Depth of Fill Greater than or Equal to 2.0 ft.

Where the depth of fill is 2.0 ft or greater, follow LRFD [3.6.1.2.6b-c]. The effect of multiple
lanes shall be considered. Use the multiple presence factor, m, as required per LRFD
[3.6.1.1.2].
36.4.6.2.1 Case 1 Traffic Travels Parallel to Span

When the traffic travels primarily parallel to the span, follow LRFD [3.6.1.2.6b].
For live load distribution transverse to span, the wheel/axle load interaction depth, Hint-t, shall
be:
H int t =
S w Wt / 12 0.06 D / 12
LLDF
(ft)
where H < Hint-t (no lateral interaction); then W w = W t /12 + LLDF(H) + 0.06(D/12)
where H > Hint-t (lateral interaction); then W w = Wt /12 + Sw + LLDF(H) + 0.06(D/12)
For live load distribution parallel to span, the wheel/axle load interaction depth Hint-p shall be:
H int p =
S a t / 12
LLDF
(ft)
where H < Hint-p (no longit. interaction); then w = t /12 + LLDF(H)

where H > Hint-p (longit. interaction); then w = t /12 + Sa + LLDF(H)
Where:
D
Clear span of the culvert (in)
Depth of fill from top of culvert to top of pavement (in)
Hint-t
Wheel interaction depth transverse to span (ft)
Hint-p
Axle interaction depth parallel to span (ft)
LLDF
Live load distribution factor per LRFD [Table 3.6.1.2.6a-1]; (1.15)
Wt
Width of tire contact area, per LRFD [3.6.1.2.5]; (20 in)
Length of tire contact area, per LRFD [3.6.1.2.5]; (10 in)
Sw
Wheel spacing; (6.0 ft)
January 2014
36-20
Sa
Axle spacing (ft)
Ww
Live load patch width at depth H (ft)
Live load patch length at depth H (ft)
ALL = w W w
Where:
ALL
Rectangular area at depth H (ft2)
The live load vertical crown pressure shall be:
PL =
P(1 + IM / 100)(m)
ALL
Where:
IM
Dynamic load allowance (%); (see 36.4.8)
Multiple presence factor per LRFD [3.6.1.1.2]
Live load applied at surface on all interacting wheels (kip)
PL
Live load vertical crown pressure (ksf)
The longitudinal and transverse distribution widths for depths of fill greater than or equal to 2.0
feet are illustrated in Figure 36.4-4.
t +
LL
DF
(H)
Wt + LLDF(H) + 0.06D = WW
Figure 36.4-4
Distribution of Wheel Loads, Depth of Fill > 2.0 feet (no lateral interaction)
January 2014
36-21
36.4.6.2.2 Case 2 Traffic Travels Perpendicular to Span

When traffic travels perpendicular to the span, live load shall be distributed to the top slab as
described in LRFD [3.6.1.2.6c].
36.4.7 Live Load Soil Pressures
Figure 36.4-5
Vertical Soil Pressure under Culvert
The soil pressure on the bottom of the box is determined by moving the live load across the
box. Find the location where the live load causes the maximum effects on the top slab of the
box. At that location, determine the soil pressure diagram that will keep the system in
equilibrium. Use the effects of this soil pressure in the bottom slab analysis.
36.4.8 Dynamic Load Allowance

Dynamic load allowance decreases as the depth of fill increases. LRFD [3.6.2.2] states that
the impact on buried components shall be calculated as:
IM = 33(1.0 0.125(DE)) > 0%
Where:
DE
Minimum depth of earth cover above the structure (ft)
36.4.9 Location for Maximum Moment

Create influence lines and use notional loading to determine the location for maximum
moment. In this analysis, include cases for variable axle spacing and reverse axle order for
unsymmetrical loading conditions.
January 2014
36-22
For notional vehicles, only the portion of the loading that contributes to the effect being
maximized is included. This is illustrated in Figure 36.4-6.
Shear
Axial
14'
24'
Notional
Truck
Moment
Figure 36.4-6
Application of Notional Loading using Influence Lines
The maximum positive moment results when the middle axial load is centered at the first
positive peak while the variable rear axial spacing is 24 feet. Only the portion of the rear
axial load in the positive region of the moment influence line is considered. The middle axial
load and the portion of the rear axial in the positive region of the moment influence line are
loaded on the shear and axial influence lines to compute the corresponding effects. Both
positive and negative portions of the shear and axial influence lines are used when
computing the corresponding effects. This process is repeated for maximizing the negative
moment, shear and axial effects and computing the corresponding effects.
January 2014
36-23
36.5 Design Information

Sidesway of the box is not considered because of the lateral support of the soil.
The centerline of the walls and top and bottom slabs are used for computing section
properties and dimensions for analysis.
WisDOT Policy Item:

For skews 20 degrees or less, place the reinforcing steel along the skew. For skews over 20
degrees, place the reinforcing steel perpendicular to the centerline of box.
Culverts are analyzed as if the reinforcing steel is perpendicular to the centerline of box for all
skew angles.
The minimum thickness of the top and bottom slab is 6 inches. Minimum wall thickness is
based on the inside opening of the box (height) and the height of the apron wall above the
floor. Use the following table to select the minimum wall thickness that meets or exceeds the
three criteria in the table.
Minimum Wall
Thickness
(Inches)
8
9
10
11
12
Cell
Height
(Feet)
<6
6 to < 10
10 to > 10
Apron Wall Height

Above Floor
(Feet)
< 6.75
6.75 to < 10
10 to < 11.75
11.75 to < 12.5
12.5 to 13
Table 36.5-1
Minimum Wall Thickness Criteria
All slab thicknesses are rounded to the next largest inch.
Top and bottom slab thicknesses are determined by shear and moment requirements. Slab
thickness shall be adequate to carry the factored shear without shear reinforcement.
All bar steel is detailed as being 2 inches clear with the following exceptions:
The bottom steel in the bottom slab is detailed with 3 inches clear
The top steel in the top slab of a box culvert with no fill is detailed with 2 inches
clear
A haunch is provided only when the slab depth required at the interior wall is more than 2
inches greater than that required for the remainder of the span. Only 45 haunches shall be
January 2014
36-24
used. Minimum haunch depth and length is 6 inches. Haunch dimensions are increased in 3
inch increments.
The slab thickness required is determined by moment or shear, whichever governs.
The shear in the top and bottom slabs is assumed to occur at a distance "d" from the face of
the walls. The value for "d" equals the distance from the centroid of the reinforcing steel to
the face of the concrete in compression. When a haunch is used, shear must also be
checked at the end of the haunch.
For multi-cell culverts make interior and exterior walls of equal thickness.
Culverts shall be designed for the range of fill between the shoulders of the roadway. To
accommodate future widening of the roadway, reduced sections may not be used on the
ends of the culvert where there is less fill. Exceptions may be made with the approval of the
Bureau of Structures where the culvert has high fills and a reduced section could be used for
at least two panel pours per end of culvert. Culvert extensions shall be designed for the
same range of fills as the original culvert. The extension design shall not have lower capacity
than the original culvert. Maximum length of panel pour is 40 feet.
Barrel lengths are based on the roadway sections and wing lengths are based on a minimum
2 1/2:1 slope of fill from the top of box to apron. Consideration shall be given to match the
typical roadway cross slope.
Dimensions on drawings are given to the nearest inch only.
January 2014
36-25
36.6 Detailing of Reinforcing Steel

To calculate the required bar steel area and cutoff points a maximum positive and negative
moment envelope is computed. It is assumed that the required bar lengths in the top slab are
longer than those in the bottom slab. Therefore, cutoff points are computed for the top slab
and are also used in the bottom slab.
36.6.1 Bar Cutoffs

Per LRFD [5.11.1.2.1], all flexural reinforcement shall be extended beyond the point at which
it is no longer required to resist flexure for a distance not less than:
The effective depth of the member
15 times the nominal diameter of the bar
1/20 of the clear span
Continuing reinforcement shall extend not less than the development length, ld (LRFD
[5.11.2]) beyond the point where bent or terminated tension reinforcement is no longer
required to resist flexure.
Per LRFD [5.11.1.2.2], at least one-third of the positive moment reinforcement in simple
span members and one-fourth of the positive moment reinforcement in continuous span
members shall extend along the same face of the member beyond the centerline of the
support. In beams, such extension shall not be less than 6.0 in.
Per LRFD [5.11.1.2.3], at least one-third of the total tension reinforcement provided for
negative moment at a support shall have an embedment length beyond the point of inflection
not less than:
The effective depth of the member
12 times the nominal diameter of the bar
0.0625 times the clear span
January 2014
36-26
36.6.2 Corner Steel
Figure 36.6-1
Layout of Corner Steel
The area of steel required is the maximum computed from using the top and bottom corner
moments and the thickness of the slab or wall, whichever controls. Identical bars are used in
the top and bottom corners. Identical length bars are used in the left and right corners if the
bar lengths are within 2 feet of one another. Top and bottom negative steel is cut in the walls
and detailed in two alternating lengths when a savings of over 2 feet in a single bar length
can be obtained. Corner steel is always lapped at the center of the wall. If two bar lengths
are used, only alternate bars are lapped.
Distance "L" is computed from the maximum negative moment envelope for the top slab and
shall include the extension lengths discussed in 36.6.1.
January 2014
36-27
36.6.3 Positive Moment Slab Steel
Figure 36.6-2
Layout of Positive Moment Steel
The area of steel required is determined by the maximum positive moments in each span.
Top and bottom slab reinforcing steel may be of different size and spacing, but will have
identical lengths. Detail two alternating bar lengths in a slab if 2 feet or more of bar steel can
be saved in a single bar length.
When two alternating bar lengths are detailed in multi-cell culverts, run every other positive
bar across the entire width of box. If this requires a length longer than 40 feet, lap them over
an interior wall. For 2 or more cells, if the distance between positive bars of adjacent cells is
1 foot or less, make the bar continuous.
The cutoff points of alternate bars are determined from the maximum positive moment
envelope for the top slab and shall include the extension lengths discussed in 36.6.1. These
same points are used in the bottom slab. Identical bar lengths are used over multiple cells if
bars are within 2 feet of one another.
36.6.4 Negative Moment Slab Steel over Interior Walls
Figure 36.6-3
Layout of Negative Moment Steel
If no haunch is present, the area of steel required is determined by using the moment and
effective depth at the face of the interior wall. If the slab is haunched, the negative
reinforcement is determined per LRFD [12.11.4.2], which states that the negative moment is
determined at the intersection of the haunch and uniform depth member. Top and bottom
January 2014
36-28
slab reinforcing steel may be of different size and spacing, but will have identical lengths.
Detail two alternating bar lengths in a slab if 2 feet or more of bar steel can be saved in a
single bar length.
Cutoff points are determined from the maximum negative moment envelope of the top slab
and shall include the extension lengths discussed in 36.6.1. The same bar lengths are then
used in the bottom slab. Identical bar lengths are used over multiple interior walls if bars are
within 2 feet of one another. The minimum length of any bar is 2 times the development
length. For culverts of 3 or more cells, if the clear distance between negative bars of adjacent
spans is 1 foot or less, make the bar continuous across the interior spans.
When there is no fill over the top slab, run the negative moment reinforcing steel across the
entire width of the culvert. Refer to 36.6.8 for temperature and shrinkage requirements.
36.6.5 Exterior Wall Positive Moment Steel
Figure 36.6-4
Layout of Exterior Wall Steel
The area of steel is determined by the maximum positive moment in the wall. A minimum of
#4 bars at 18 inches is supplied. The wall bar is extended to 2 inch top clear and the dowel
bar is extended to 3 inch bottom clear. A construction joint, 5 inches above the bottom
slab, is always used so a dowel bar must be detailed.
January 2014
36-29
36.6.6 Interior Wall Moment Steel
Figure 36.6-5
Layout of Interior Wall Steel
The area of steel is determined from the maximum moment at the top of the wall and the
effective wall thickness. A minimum of #4 bars at 18 inches is supplied. Identical steel is
provided at both faces of the wall. A 1 foot, 90 degree bend, is provided in the top slab with
the horizontal portion being just below the negative moment steel. The dowel bar is extended
to 3 inch bottom clear. A construction joint, 5 inches above the bottom slab, is always used
so a dowel bar must be detailed. When a haunch is provided, the construction joint is placed
a distance above the bottom slab equal to the haunch depth plus 2 inches.
36.6.7 Distribution Reinforcement

Per LRFD [5.14.4.1], transverse distribution reinforcement is not required for culverts where
the depth of fill exceeds 2.0 feet.
Per LRFD [12.11.2.1], provide distribution reinforcement for culverts with less than or equal
to 2 feet of fill in accordance with LRFD [9.7.3.2], which states that reinforcement shall be
placed in the secondary direction in the bottom of slabs as a percentage of the primary
reinforcement for positive moment as follows (for primary reinforcement parallel to traffic):
Percentage =
100
S
50%
Where:
S
January 2014
Effective span length (ft) (for slabs monolithic with walls, this distance is
taken as the face-to-face distance per LRFD [9.7.2.3])
36-30
Figure 36.6-6
Layout of Distribution Steel
36.6.8 Temperature Reinforcement

Temperature reinforcement is required on all wall and slab faces in each direction that does
not already have strength or distribution reinforcement. Per LRFD [12.11.4.3.1], provide
shrinkage and temperature reinforcement in walls and slabs in accordance with LRFD
[5.10.8], which states that the area of shrinkage and temperature steel per foot on each face
and in each direction shall satisfy:
As
1.30bh
2(b + h)fy
0.11 As 0.60
Where:
As
Area of reinforcement in each direction and each face (in2/ft)
Least width of component section (in.)
Least thickness of component section (in.)
fy
Specified yield strength of reinforcing bars 75 (ksi)
Where the least dimension varies along the length of the component, multiple sections
should be examined to represent the average condition at each section.
Temperature steel is always #4 bars at a maximum spacing of 18 inches. When the top slab
has no fill on top use a minimum of #4 bars at 12 inch centers in both directions in the top of
the top slab.
January 2014
36-31
36.7 Box Culvert Aprons

Five types of box culvert aprons are used. They are referred to as Type A, B, C, D and E.
The angle that the wings make with the direction of stream flow is the main difference
between the five types. The allowable headwater and other hydraulic requirements are what
usually determine the type of apron required. Physical characteristics at the site may also
dictate a certain type. For hydraulic design of different apron types see Chapter 8.
36.7.1 Type A
Type A, because of its poor hydraulic properties, is generally not used except for cattle or
pedestrian underpasses.
Figure 36.7-1
Plan View of Type A
January 2014
36-32
36.7.2 Type B, C, D
Type B is used for outlets. Type C & D are of equal efficiency but Type C is used most
frequently. Type D is used for inlets when the water is entering the culvert at a very abrupt
angle. See Figure 36.7-2 for Wing Type B, C and D for guidance on wing angles for culvert
skews.
January 2014
36-33
Figure 36.7-2
Wing Type B, C, D (Angles vs. Skew)
January 2014
36-34
36.7.3 Type E
Type E is used primarily in urban areas where a sidewalk runs over the culvert and it is
necessary to have a parapet and railing along the sidewalk. For Type E the wingwalls run
parallel to the roadway just like the abutment wingwalls of most bridges. It is also used where
Right of Way (R/W) is a problem and the aprons would extend beyond the R/W for other
types. Wingwall lengths for Type E wings are based on a minimum channel side slope of 1.5
to 1.
36.7.4 Wingwall Design

Culvert wingwalls are designed using a 1 foot surcharge height, a unit weight of backfill of
0.120 kcf and a coefficient of lateral earth pressure of 0.5, as discussed in 36.4.3. When the
wingwalls are parallel to the direction of traffic and where vehicular loads are within the
wall height from the back face of the wall, design using a surcharge height representing
vehicular load per LRFD [Table 3.11.6.4-2]. Load and Resistance Factor Design is used,
and the load factor for lateral earth pressure of EH = 1.69 is used, based on past design
experience. The lateral earth pressure was conservatively selected to keep wingwall
deflection and cracking to acceptable levels. Many wingwalls that were designed for lower
horizontal pressures have experienced excessive deflections and cracking at the footing.
This may expose the bar steel to the water that flows through the culvert and if the water is of
a corrosive nature, corrosion of the bar steel will occur. This phenomena has lead to
complete failure of some wingwalls throughout the State.
For wing heights of 7 feet or less determine the area of steel required by using the maximum
wall height and use the same bar size and spacing along the entire wingwall length. The
minimum amount of steel used is #4 bars at 12 inch spacing. Wingwall thickness is made
equal to the barrel wall thickness.
For wing heights over 7 feet the wall length is divided into two or more segments and the
area of steel is determined by using the maximum height of each segment. Use the same bar
size and spacing in each segment.
Wingwalls must satisfy Strength I Limit State for flexure and shear, and Service I Limit State
for crack control, minimum reinforcement, and reinforcement spacing. Adequate shrinkage
and temperature reinforcement shall be provided.
January 2014
36-35
36.8 Box Culvert Camber

Camber of culverts is a design compensation for anticipated settlement of foundation soil
beneath the culvert. Responsibility for the recommendation and calculation of camber
belongs to the Regional Soils Engineer. Severe settlement problems with accompanying
large camber are to be checked with the Geotechnical Section.
Both total and differential settlement need to be considered to determine the amount of box
camber required to avoid adverse profile sag and undesirable separation at culvert joints per
LRFD[12.6.2.2]. If the estimated settlement is excessive, contingency measures will need to
be considered, such as preloading with embankment surcharge, undercutting and subgrade
stabilization. To evaluate differential settlement, it will be necessary to calculate settlement at
more than one point along the length of the box culvert.
36.8.1 Computation of Settlement

Settlement should be evaluated at the Service Limit state in accordance with LRFD
[12.6.2.2] and LRFD [10.6.2], and consider instantaneous elastic consolidation and
secondary components. Elastic settlement is the instantaneous deformation of the soil mass
that occurs as the soil is loaded. Consolidation settlement is the gradual compression of the
soil skeleton when excess pore pressure is forced out of the voids in the soil. Secondary
settlement, or creep, occurs as a result of plastic deformation of the soil skeleton under
constant effective stress. Secondary settlement is typically not significant for box culvert
design, except where there is an increase in effective stress within organic soil, such as peat.
If secondary settlement is a concern, it should be estimated in accordance with LRFD
[10.6.2.4].
Total settlement, including elastic, consolidation and secondary components may be taken in
accordance with LRFD [10.6.2.4.1] as:
St = Se + Sc + Ss
Where:
St
Total settlement (ft)
Se
Elastic settlement (ft)
Sc
Primary consolidation settlement (ft)
Ss
Secondary settlement (ft)
To compute settlement, the subsurface soil profile should be subdivided into layers based on
stratigraphy to a depth of about 3 times the box width. The maximum layer thickness should
be 10 feet.
Primary consolidation settlement for normally-consolidated soil is computed using the
following equation in accordance with LRFD [10.6.2.4.3]:
January 2014
36-36
H
'
S c = c c c log10 f
1 + e o
' o
Where:
Sc
Primary consolidation settlement (ft)
Hc
Initial height of compressible soil layer (ft)
eo
Void ratio at initial vertical effective stress
Cc
Compression index which is a measure of the compressibility of a soil. It

is the slope of the straight-line part of the e-log p curve from a
conventional consolidation (oedometer) test.
Final vertical effective stress at midpoint of soil layer under consideration

(ksf)
Initial vertical effective stress at midpoint of soil layer under

consideration (ksf)
If the soil is overconsolidated, reference is made to LRFD [10.6.2.4.3] to estimate

consolidation settlement.
Further description for the above equations and consolidation test can be found in most
textbooks on soil mechanics.
For preliminary investigations Cc can be determined from the following approximate formula,
found in most soil mechanics textbooks:
Non organic soils:
Cc = 0.007 (LL-10)
Where:
LL
Liquid limit expressed as whole number.
If the in-place moisture content approaches the plastic limit the computed Cc is decreased by
75%. If the in-place moisture content is near the liquid limit use the computed value. If the inplace moisture content is twice the liquid limit the computed Cc is increased by 75%. For
intermediate moisture contents the percent change to the computed Cc is determined from a
straight line interpolation between the corrections mentioned above.
If settlements computed by using the approximate value of Cc exceed 1.5 feet, a
consolidation test is performed. As in-place moisture content approaches twice the liquid
limit, settlement is caused by a local shear failure and the consolidation equation is no longer
applicable.
January 2014
36-37
The consolidation equation is applied to only compressible silts and clays. Sands are of a
lower compressibility and no culvert camber is required until the fill exceeds 25 feet. When
the fill exceeds 25 feet for sand, a camber of 0.01 feet per foot of fill is used.
36.8.2 Configuration of Camber

The following guides are to be followed when detailing camber.
It is unnecessary to provide gradual camber. "Brokenback" camber is closer to the

actual settlement which occurs.
Settlement is almost constant from shoulder point to shoulder point. It then reduces to
the ends of the culvert at the edge of the fill.
The ends of the culvert tend to come up if side slopes are steeper than 2 to 1. With
2 to 1 side slopes camber is increased 10% to compensate for this rise.
36.8.3 Numerical Example of Settlement Computation
Figure 36.8-1
Soil Strata under Culvert
A box culvert rests on original ground consisting of 8 feet of sand and 6 feet of clay over
bedrock. Estimate the settlement of the culvert if 10 feet of fill is placed on the original ground
after the culvert is constructed. The in-place moisture content and liquid limit equal 40%. The
initial void ratio equals 0.98. The unit weight of the clay is 105 pcf and that of the fill and sand
is 110 pcf. There is no water table.
o = (8 ft)(110 pcf) + (3 ft)(105 pcf) = 1195 psf
f = o + (10 ft)(110 pcf) = 1195 psf + 1100 psf = 2295 psf
Cc = 0.007 (40-10) = 0.21 (approximate value)
H
S c = c c c log10
1 + e o
January 2014
' f
2295psf
6ft
0.21 * log10
=
= 0.18ft
1195psf
' o 1 + 0.98
36-38
36.9 Box Culvert Structural Excavation and Structure Backfill

All excavations for culverts and aprons, unless on bedrock or fill, are undercut a depth of 6
inches. The upper limit of excavation is the existing ground line.
All spaces excavated and not occupied by the new structure are backfilled with structure
backfill to the elevation and section existing prior to excavation within the length of the box.
The backfill is placed to help eliminate settling problems on culverts. Backfill is placed in the
undercut area under the apron. Usually 6 inches of structural backfill is placed under all
boxes for construction purposes, which is covered by specification.
Figure 36.9-1
Limits for Excavation and Backfill
* Structure Backfill, No. 2 Washed Stone or Breaker Run Stone may be used to support
culverts.
No backfill is placed under the box for culverts built on fills. The purpose of the backfill is to
provide a solid base to pour the bottom slab. It is assumed that fill material provides this base
without the addition of backfill.
January 2014
36-39
36.10 Box Culvert Headers

For skews of 20 degrees and less the main reinforcing steel is parallel to the end of the
barrel. A header is not required for structural purposes but is used to prevent the fill material
from spilling into the apron. A 12 inch wide by 6 inch high (above the top of top slab) header
with nominal steel is therefore used for skews of 20 degrees and less on the top slab. No
header is used on the bottom slab.
For skews over 20 degrees the main reinforcing is not parallel to the end of the barrel. The
positive reinforcing steel terminates in the header and thus the header must support, in
addition to its own dead load, an additional load from the dead load of the slab and fill above
it. A portion of the live load may also have to be supported by the header.
The calculation of the actual load that a header must support becomes a highly
indeterminate problem. For this reason a rational approach is used to determine the amount
of reinforcement required in the headers. The design moment capacity of the header must be
equal to or greater than 1.25 times the header dead load moment (based on simple span)
plus 1.75 times a live load moment from a 16 kip load assuming 0.5 fixity at ends.
To prevent a traffic hazard, culvert headers are designed not to protrude above the ground
line. For this reason the height of the header above the top of the top slab is typically
selected to be 6 inches. The width of the header is standardized at 18 inches.
The header in the following figure gives the design moment capacities listed using d = 8.5
inches.
Figure 36.10-1
Header Details (Skews > 20)
January 2014
36-40
The following size bars are recommended for the listed header lengths where "Header
Length" equals the distance between C/L of walls in one cell measured along the skew.
Header Length
To 11
Over 11 to 14
Over 14 to 17
Over 17 to 20
Bar Size 1
#7
#8
#9
#10
Table 36.10-1
Header Reinforcement
1
Use the bar size listed in each header and place 3 bars on the top and 3 bars on the
bottom. Use a header on both the top and bottom slab. See the Standard Box Culvert
Details in Chapter 36.
Where headers greater than 6 inches in height are used to retain roadway fill, the top slab
shall be designed to handle the bending moment transmitted from the header. Additional
reinforcement may be required.
Where barriers are placed on top of the culvert header, the barrier, header, and top slab shall
be designed for vehicular impact forces.
January 2014
36-41
36.11 Plan Detailing Issues

36.11.1 Weep Holes
Investigate the need for weep holes for culverts in cohesive soils. These holes are to relieve
the hydrostatic pressure on the sides of the culverts. Where used, place the weep holes 1
foot above normal water elevation but a minimum of 1 foot above the lower sidewall
construction joint. Do not place weep holes closer than 1 foot from the bottom of the top slab.
36.11.2 Cutoff Walls

Where dewatering the cutoff wall in sandy terrain is a problem, the concrete may be poured
in the water. Place a note on the plans allowing concrete for the cutoff wall to be placed in
the water.
36.11.3 Nameplate
Designate a location on the wingwall for placement of the nameplate. Locate nameplate on
the first right wing traveling in the Cardinal direction (North/East).
36.11.4 Plans Policy

If a cast-in-place reinforced concrete box culvert is used, full plans must be provided and
sealed by a professional engineer to the Bureau of Structures for approval. The plans must
be in accordance with the Bridge Manual and Standards.
36.11.5 Rubberized Membrane Waterproofing

When required by the Standard Details, place the bid item "Rubberized Membrane
Waterproofing" on the final plans. The quantity is given square yards.
January 2014
36-42
36.12 Precast Four-Sided Box Culverts

In general, structural contractors prefer cast-in-place culverts while grading contractors prefer
precast culverts. Precast culverts have been more expensive than cast-in-place culverts in
the past, but allow for reduced construction time. Box culverts that are 4 feet wide by 6 feet
high or less are considered roadway culverts. All other culverts require a B or C number
along with the appropriate plans. All culverts requiring a number should be processed
through the Bureau of Structures.
When a precast culvert is selected as the best structure type for a particular project during
the design study phase, preliminary plans and complete detailed final plans are required to
be sent to the Bureau of Structures for approval. The design and fabrication must be in
accordance with ASTM Specification C1577, AASHTO LRFD Specifications, and the Bridge
Manual.
Sometimes a complete set of plans is created for a cast-in-place culvert and a precast culvert
is stated to be an acceptable alternate. If the contractor selects the precast alternate, the
contractor is to submit shop drawings, sealed by a professional engineer, to the Bureau of
Structures for approval. The design and fabrication must be in accordance with ASTM
Specification C1577, AASHTO LRFD Specifications, and the Bridge Manual.
January 2014
36-43
36.13 Three-Sided Structures

Three-sided box culvert structures are divided into two categories: cast-in-place three sided
structures and precast three-sided structures. These structures shall follow the criteria
outlined below.
36.13.1 Cast-In-Place Three-Sided Structures

To be developed
36.13.2 Precast Three-Sided Structures

Three-sided precast concrete structures offer a cost effective, convenient solution for a
variety of bridge needs. The selection of whether a structure over a waterway should be a
culvert, a three-sided precast concrete structure or a bridge is heavily influenced by the
hydraulic opening. As the hydraulic opening becomes larger, the selection process for
structure type progresses from culvert to three-sided precast concrete structure to bridge.
Cost, future maintenance, profile grade, staging, skew, soil conditions and alignment are also
important variables which should be considered. Culverts generally have low future
maintenance; however, culverts should not be considered for waterways with a history or
potential of debris to avoid channel cleanout maintenance. In these cases a three-sided
precast concrete structure may be more appropriate. Three-sided precast concrete
structures have the advantage of larger single and multiple openings, ease of construction,
and low future maintenance costs.
A precast-concrete box culvert may be recommended by the Hydraulics Team. The side
slope at the end or outcrop of a box culvert should be protected with guardrail or be located
beyond the clear zone.
The hydraulic recommendations will include the Q100 elevation, the assumed flowline
elevation, the required span, and the required waterway opening for all structure selections.
The designer will determine the rise of the structure for all structure sections.
A cost comparison is required to justify a three-sided precast concrete structure compared to
other bridge/culvert alternatives.
To facilitate the initiation of this type of project, the BOS is available to assist the Owners and
Consultants in working out problems which may arise during plan development.
Some of the advantages of precast three-sided structures are listed below:
Speed of Installation: Speed of installation is more dependent on excavation than

product handling and placement. Precast concrete products arrive at the jobsite ready
to install. Raw materials such as reinforcing steel and concrete do not need to be
ordered, and no time is required on site to set up forms, place concrete, and wait for
the concrete to cure. Precast concrete can be easily installed on-demand and
immediately backfilled.
January 2014
36-44
Environmentally Friendly: Precast concrete is ready to be installed right off the

delivery truck, which means less storage space needed for scaffolding and rebar.
There is less noise pollution from ready-mix trucks continually pulling up on site and
less waste as a result of using precast (i.e. no leftover steel, no pieces of scaffolding
and no waste concrete piles). The natural bottom on a three-sided structure is
advantageous to meet fish passage and DNR requirements.
Quality Control: Because precast concrete products are produced in a qualitycontrolled environment with proper curing conditions, these products exhibit higher
quality and uniformity over cast-in-place structures.
Reduced Weather Dependency: Weather does not delay production of precast

concrete as it can with cast-in-place concrete. Additionally, weather conditions at the
jobsite do not significantly affect the schedule because the "window" of time required
for installation is small compared to other construction methods, such as cast-in-place
concrete.
Maintenance: Single span precast three-sided structures are less susceptible to

clogging from debris and sediment than multiple barrel culvers with equivalent
hydraulic openings.
36.13.2.1 Precast Three-Sided Structure Span Lengths

WisDOT BOS allows and provides standard details for the following precast three-sided
structure span lengths:
14-0, 20-0, 24-0, 28-0, 36-0, 42-0
Dimensions, rises, and additional guidance for each span length are provided in the standard
details.
36.13.2.2 Segment Configuration and Skew

It is not necessary for the designer to determine the exact number and length of segments.
The final structure length and segment configuration will be determined by the fabricator and
may deviate from that implied by the plans.
A zero degree skew is preferable but skews may be accommodated in a variety of ways.
Skew should be rounded to the nearer most-practical 5 deg., although the nearer 1 deg. is
permissible where necessary. The range of skew is dependent on the design span and the
fabrication limitations. Some systems are capable of fabricating a skewed segment up to a
maximum of 45 degrees. Other systems accommodate skew by fabricating a special
trapezoidal segment. If adequate right-of-way is available, skewed projects may be built with
all right angle segments provided the angle of the wingwalls are adjusted accordingly. The
designer shall consider the layout of the traffic lanes on staged construction projects when
determining whether a particular three-sided precast concrete structure system is suitable.
Square segments are more economical if the structure is skewed. Laying out the structure
with square segments will result in the greatest right-of-way requirement and thus allow
January 2014
36-45
ample space for potential redesign by the contractor, if necessary, to another segment
configuration.
For a structure with a skew less than or equal to 15 deg., structure segments may be laid out
square or skewed. Skewed segments are preferred for short structures (approximately less
than 80 feet in length). Square segments are preferred for longer structures. However,
skewed segments have a greater structural span. A structure with a skew of greater than 15
deg. requires additional analysis per the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.
Skewed segments and the analysis both contribute to higher structure cost.
For a structure with a skew greater than 15 deg, structure segments should be laid out
square. The preferred layout scheme for an arch-topped structure with a skew of greater
than 15 deg should assume square segments with a sloping top of headwall to yield the
shortest possible wingwalls. Where an arch-topped structure is laid out with skewed ends
(headwalls parallel to the roadway), the skew will be developed within the end segments by
varying the lengths of the legs as measured along the centerline of the structure. The
maximum attainable skew is controlled by the difference between the full-segment leg length
as recommended by the arch-topped-structure fabricator and a minimum leg length of 2 feet.
36.13.2.3 Minimum Fill Height

Minimum fill over a precast three-sided structure shall provide sufficient fill depth to allow
adequate embedment for any required beam guard plus 6. Refer to Standard 36.10 for
further information.
Barriers mounted directly to the precast units are not allowed, as this connection has not
been crash tested.
36.13.2.4 Rise
The maximum rises of individual segments are shown on the standard details. This limit is
based on the fabrication forms and transportation. The maximum rise of the segment may
also be limited by the combination of the skew involved because this affects transportation
on the truck. Certain rise and skew combinations may still be possible but special permits
may be required for transportation. The overall rise of the three-sided structure should not be
a limitation when satisfying the opening requirements of the structure because the footing is
permitted to extend above the ground to meet the bottom of the three-sided segment.
36.13.2.5 Deflections
Per LRFD [2.5.2.6.2], the deflection limits for precast reinforced concrete three-sided
structures shall be considered mandatory.
36.13.3 Plans Policy

If a precast or cast-in-place three-sided culvert is used, full design calculations and plans
must be provided and sealed by a professional engineer to the Bureau of Structures for
approval. The plans must be in accordance with the Bridge Manual and Standards.
January 2014
36-46
The designer should use the span and rise for the structure selection shown on the plans as
a reference for the information required on the title sheet. The structure type to be shown on
the Title, Layout and General Plan sheets should be Precast Reinforced Concrete ThreeSided Structure.
The assumed elevations of the top of the footing and the base of the structure leg should be
shown. For preliminary structure layout purposes, a 2-foot footing thickness should be
assumed with the base of the structure leg seated 2 inches below the top-of-footing
elevation. With the bottom of the footing placed at the minimum standard depth of 4 feet
below the flow line elevation, the base of the structure leg should therefore be shown as 2-2
below the flow line. An exception to the 4-foot depth will occur where the anticipated footing
thickness is known to exceed 2 feet, where the footing must extend to rock, or where poor
soil conditions and scour concerns dictate that the footing should be deeper.
The structure length and skew angle, and the skew, length and height of wingwalls should be
shown. For a skewed structure, the wingwall geometrics should be determined for each wing.
The sideslope used to determine the wing length should be shown on the plans.
If the height of the structure legs exceeds 10 feet, pedestals should be shown in the structure
elevation view.
The following plan requirements shall be followed:
1. Preliminary plans are required for all projects utilizing a three-sided precast concrete
structure.
2. Preliminary and Final plans for three-sided precast concrete structures shall identify
the size (span x rise), length, and skew angle of the bridge.
3. Final plans shall include all geometric dimensions and a detailed design for the threesided precast structure, all cast-in-place foundation units and cast-in-place or precast
wingwalls and headwalls.
4. Final plans shall include the pay item Three-Sided Precast Concrete Structure and
applicable pay items for the remainder of the substructure elements.
5. Final plans shall be submitted along with all pertinent special provisions to the BOS
for review and approval.
In addition to foundation type, the wingwall type shall be provided on the preliminary and final
plans. Similar to precast boxes, a wingwall design shall be provided which is supported
independently from the three-sided structure. The restrictions on the use of cast-in-place or
precast wings and headwalls shall be based on site conditions and the preferences of the
Owner. These restrictions shall be noted on the preliminary and final plans.
36.13.4 Foundation Requirements

Precast and cast-in-place three-sided structures that are utilized in pedestrian or cattle
underpasses can be supported on continuous spread or pile supported footings. Precast
January 2014
36-47
and cast-in-place three-sided structures that are utilized in waterway applications shall be
supported on piling to prevent scour.
The footing should be kept level if possible. If the stream grade prohibits a level footing, the
wingwall footings should be laid out to be constructed on the same plane as the structure
footings. Continuity shall be established between the structural unit footing and the wingwall
footing.
The allowable soil bearing pressure should be shown on the plans. Weak soil conditions
could require pile foundations. If the footing is on piling, the nominal driving resistance should
be shown. Where a pile footing is required, the type and size of pile and the required pile
spacing, and which piles are to be battered, should be shown on the plans.
The geotechnical engineer should provide planning and design recommendations to
determine the most cost effective and feasible foundation treatment to be used on the
preliminary plans.
36.13.5 Precast Versus Cast-in-Place Wingwalls and Headwalls

The specifications for three-sided precast concrete structures permits the contractor to
substitute cast-in-place for precast wingwalls and headwalls, and visa versa when cast-inplace is specified unless prohibited on the plans. Three-sided structures should be provided
with adequate foundation support to satisfy the design assumptions permitting their relatively
thin concrete section. These foundations are designed and provided in the plans. Spread
footing foundations are most commonly used since they prove cost effective when rock or
scour resistant soils are present with adequate bearing and sliding resistance. The use of
precast spread footings shall be controlled by the planner and shall only be allowed when
soil conditions permit and shall not be allowed to bear directly on rock or when rock is within
2 feet of the bottom of the proposed footing. When lower strength soils are present, or scour
depths become large, a pile supported footing shall be used. The lateral loading design of
the foundation is important because deflection of the pile or footing should not exceed the
manufacturers' recommendations to preclude cracks developing.
January 2014
36-48
36.14 Design Example

E36-1 Twin Cell Box Culvert LRFD
January 2014
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Table of Contents
E36-1 Twin Cell Box Culvert LRFD .............................................................................................................. 2
E36-1.1 Design Criteria ...................................................................................................... 2
E36-1.2 Modulus of Elasticity of Concrete Material............................................................ 4
E36-1.3 Loads .................................................................................................................... 4
E36-1.3.1 Dead Loads .......................................................................................... 5
E36-1.3.2 Live Loads ............................................................................................ 6
E36-1.4 Live Load Distribution ........................................................................................... 6
E36-1.5 Equivalent Strip Widths for Box Culverts .............................................................. 7
E36-1.6 Limit States and Combinations ............................................................................. 9
E36-1.6.1 Load Factors......................................................................................... 9
E36-1.6.2 Dead Load Moments and Shears .........................................................10
E36-1.6.3 Live Load Moments and Shears ...........................................................14
E36-1.6.4 Factored Moments................................................................................18
E36-1.7 Design Reinforcement Bars..................................................................................19
E36-1.8 Shrinkage and Temperature Reinforcement Check .............................................23
E36-1.9 Distribution Reinforcement ...................................................................................25
E36-1.10 Reinforcement Details ........................................................................................25
E36-1.11 Cutoff Locations..................................................................................................26
E36-1.12 Shear Analysis....................................................................................................31
E36-1.12.1 Factored Shears .................................................................................31
E36-1.12.2 Concrete Shear Resistance................................................................31
E36-1 Twin Cell Box Culvert LRFD
This example shows design calculations for a twin cell box culvert. The AASHTO LRFD Bridge
Design Specifications are followed as stated in the text of this chapter. (Example is current
through LRFD Seventh Edition)
E36-1.1 Design Criteria
12.0'
Clear
4.0'
Fill Height
12.0'
Clear
12.5"
12"
(Typ.)
12.0'
Clear
14"
Figure E36.1
Box Culvert Dimensions
NC 2
number of cells
Ht 12.0
cell clear height, ft
W1 12.0
cell 1 clear width, ft
W2 12.0
cell 2 clear width, ft
L 134.0
culvert length, ft
tts 12.5
top slab thickness, in
tbs 14.0
top slabslab
bottom
thickness,
thickness,
in in
twin 12.0
interior wall thickness, in
twex 12.0
exterior wall thickness, in
tts
Hapron Ht
12
apron wall height above floor, ft
Hapron 13.04
January 2015
36E1-2
f' c 3.5
culvert concrete strength, ksi
fy 60
reinforcement yield strength, ksi
Es 29000
modulus of elasticity of steel, ksi
skew 0.0
skew angle, degrees
Hs 4.00
depth of backfill above top edge of top slab, ft
wc 0.150
weight of concrete, kcf
coverbot 3
concrete cover (bottom of bottom slab), in
cover 2
concrete cover (all other applications), in
LSht 2.2
live load surcharge height, ft
Resistance factors, reinforced concrete cast-in-place box structures, LRFD [Table 12.5.5-1]
f 0.9
resistance factor for flexure
v 0.85
resistance factor for shear
Calculate the span lengths for each cell (measured between centerlines of walls)
1 twin twex
S1 W1
12 2
2
S1 13.00
ft
twex twin
twin
11 twex

S2 W
W2+
2
12
22
12 22
S2 13.00
ft
Verify that the box culvert dimensions fall within WisDOT's minimum dimension criteria. Per
[36.2], the minimum size for pedestrian underpasses is 8 feet high by 5 feet wide. The
minimum size for cattle underpass is 6 feet high by 5 feet wide. A minimum height of 5 feet is
desirable for cleanout purposes.
Does the culvert meet the minimum dimension criteria?
check "OK"
Verify that the slab and wall thicknesses fall within WisDOT's minimum dimension criteria. Per
[36.5], the minimum thickness of the top and bottom slab is 6.5 inches. Per [Table 36.5-1],
the minimum wall thickness varies with respect to cell height and apron wall height.
January 2015
36E1-3
Do the slab and wall thicknesses meet the minimum dimension criteria?
check "OK"
Since this example has more than 2.0 feet of fill, edge beams are not required.
E36-1.2 Modulus of Elasticity of Concrete Material

Per [9.2], use f`c = 3.5 ksi for culverts. The value of E is calculated per LRFD [5.4.2.4]:
K1 1
Ec 3600 ksi
Ec_calc 33000 K1 wc
1.5
f'c
Ec_calc 3586.616
ksi
modulus of elasticity of concrete, per [9.2]
E36-1.3 Loads
s 0.120
unit weight of soil, kcf
Per [36.5], a haunch is provided only when the slab depth required at the interior wall is more
than 2 inches greater than that required for the remainder of the span. Minimum haunch depth
and length is 6 inches. Haunch depth is increased in 3 inch increments. For the first iteration,
assume there are no haunches.
hhau 0.0
haunch height, in
lhau 0.0
haunch length, in
wthau 0.0
weight of one haunch, kip
January 2015
36E1-4
E36-1.3.1 Dead Loads

Dead load (DC):
top slab dead load:
tts
wdlts wc
1
12
wdlts 0.156
klf
bottom slab dead load:

tbs
wdlbs wc
1
12
wdlbs 0.175 klf
Wearing Surface (DW):

Per [36.4.2], the weight of the future wearing surface is zero if there is any fill depth over the
culvert. If there is no fill depth over the culvert, the weight of the future wearing surface shall
be taken as 0.020 ksf.
weight of future wearing surface, ksf
wws 0.000
Vertical Earth Load (EV):
Calculate the modification of earth loads for soil-structure interaction per LRFD [12.11.2.2].
Per the policy item in [36.4.3], embankment installations are always assumed.
Installation_Type "Embankment"
s 0.120
Bc 27.00
outside width of culvert, ft

(measured between outside faces of exterior walls)
Hs 4.00
Calculate the soil-structure interaction factor for embankment installations:

F e 1 0.20
Hs
Bc
F e 1.03
F e shall not exceed 1.15 for installations with compacted fill along the sides of the box section:
F e 1.03
January 2015
36E1-5
Calculate the total unfactored earth load:

WE Fe s Bc Hs
WE 13.34
klf
Distrubute the total unfactored earth load to be evenly distributed across the top of the culvert:
WE
wsv
Bc
wsv 0.494
Horizontal Earth Load (EH):

soil horizontal earth load (magnitude at bottom and top of wall):
ko 0.5
coefficient of at rest lateral earth pressure [36.4.3]
s 0.120
tts
tbs
wsh_bot ko s Ht
Hs 1
12
12
wsh_top ko s Hs 1
wsh_bot 1.09
klf
wsh_top 0.24
klf
Live Load Surcharge (LS):

soil live load surcharge:
ko 0.5
coefficient of lateral earth pressure
s 0.120
LSht 2.2
live load surcharge height per [36.4.4], ft
wsll ko s LSht 1
wsll 0.13
klf
E36-1.3.2 Live Loads

For Strength 1 and Service 1:
HL-93 loading =
design truck (no lane)
LRFD [3.6.1.3.3]
design tandem (no lane)

For the Wisconsin Standard Permit Vehicle (Wis-SPV) Check:
The Wis-SPV vehicle is to be checked during the design phase to make sure it can carry a
minimum vehicle load of 190 kips. See Section 36.1.3 of the Bridge Manual for requirements
pertaining to the Wis-SPV vehicle check.
E36-1.4 Live Load Distribution

Live loads are distributed over an equivalent area, with distribution components both parallel
and perpendicular to the span, as calculated below. Per LRFD [3.6.1.3.3], the live loads to be
placed on these widths are axle loads (i.e., two lines of wheels) without the lane load. The
equivalent distribution width applies for both live load moment and shear.
January 2015
36E1-6
E36-1.5 Equivalent Strip Widths for Box Culverts

The calculations for depths of fill less than 2.0 ft, per LRFD [4.6.2.10] are not required for this
example. The calcuations are shown for illustration purposes only.
The calculations below follow LRFD [4.6.2.10.2] - Case 1: Traffic Travels Parallel to
Span. If traffic travels perpendicular to the span, follow LRFD [4.6.2.10.3] - Case 2:
Traffic Travels Perpendicular to Span, which states to follow LRFD [4.6.2.1].
Per LRFD [4.6.2.10.2], when traffic travels primarily parallel to the span, culverts shall be
analyzed for a single loaded lane with a single lane multiple presence factor.
Therefore,
mpf 1.2
Perpendicular to the span:

It is conservative to use the largest distribution factor from each span of the structure
across the entire length of the culvert. Therefore, use the smallest span to calculate
the smallest strip width. That strip width will provide the largest distribution factor.
S min W1 W2
clear span, ft
S 12.00
ft
The equivalent distribution width perpendicular to the span is:

1
Eperp
( 96 1.44 S)
12
Eperp 9.44
ft
Parallel to the span:

Hs 4.00
LT 10
length of tire contact area, in LRFD [3.6.1.2.5]

live load distribution factor. From LRFD [4.6.2.10.2], LLDF = 1.15 as
specified in LRFD [Table 3.6.1.2.6a-1] for select granular backfill
LLDF 1.15
The equivalent distribution width parallel to the span is:

1
Eparallel
L LLDF Hs 12
12 T
Eparallel 5.43
ft
The equivalent distribution widths parallel and perpendicular to the span create an
area that the axial load shall be distributed over. The equivalent area is:
Earea Eperp Eparallel
Earea 51.29
ft2
For depths of fill 2.0 ft. or greater calculate the size of the rectangular area that the wheels are
considered to be uniformly distributed over, per [36.4.6.2].
LT 10.0
length of tire contact area, in LRFD [3.6.1.2.5]
WT 20
width of tire contact area, in LRFD [3.6.1.2.5]
January 2015
36E1-7
The length and width of the equivalent area for 1 wheel are:
Leq_i LT LLDF Hs 12
Weq_i WT LLDF Hs 12 0.06 max W1 W2 12
Leq_i 65.20
in
Weq_i 83.84
in
Where such areas from several wheels overlap, the total load shall be uniformly distributed
over the area, LRFD [3.6.1.2.6a].
Check if the areas overlap "Yes, the areas overlap" therefore, use the following length and
width values for the equivalent area for 1 wheel:
Front and Rear Wheels:
Center Wheel:
Length
Leq13 65.2
in
Leq2 65.2
in
Width
Weq13 77.9
in
Weq2 77.9
in
Area
Aeq13 5080.4
in
Aeq2 5080.4
in
Per LRFD [3.6.1.2.2], the weights of the design truck wheels are below. (Note that one axle
load is equal to two wheel loads.)
Wwheel1i 4000
front wheel weight, lbs
Wwheel23i 16000
center and rear wheel weights, lbs
The effect of single and multiple lanes shall be considered. For this problem, a single lane with
the single lane multiple presence factor governs. Applying the single lane multiple presence
factor:
Wwheel1 mpf Wwheel1i
Wwheel1 4800.00
Wwheel23 mpf Wwheel23i
Wwheel23 19200.00
lbs
mpf 1.20
lbs
For single-span culverts, the effects of the live load may be neglected where the depth of fill is
more than 8.0 feet and exceeds the span length. For multiple span culverts, the effects of the
live load may be neglected where the depth of fill exceeds the distance between faces of
endwalls, LRFD [3.6.1.2.6a].
Note: The wheel pressure values shown here are for the 14'-0" variable axle spacing of the
design truck, which controls over the design tandem for this example. In general, all variable
axle spacings of the design truck and the design tandem must be investigated to account for
the maximum response.
LL1 0.94
live load pressure (front wheel), psi
LL2 3.78
live load pressure (center wheel), psi
LL3 3.78
live load pressure (rear wheel), psi
January 2015
36E1-8
E36-1.6 Limit States and Combinations

The limit states, load factors and load combinations shall be applied as required and detailed in
chapter 36 of this manual and as indicated below.
E36-1.6.1 Load Factors

From LRFD [Table 3.4.1-1] and LRFD [Table 3.4.1-2]:
Per the policy item in [36.4.3] Assume box culverts are closed, rigid frames. Assume active
earth pressure to be conservative.
Strength 1
Service 1
stDCmax 1.25
DC
s1DC 1.0
stDCmin 0.9
stDWmax 1.5
DW
s1DW 1.0
stDWmin 0.65
stEVmax 1.35
EV
s1EV 1.0
stEVmin 0.9
stEHmax 1.50
EH
s1EH 1.0
stEHmin 0.5
LRFD [3.11.7]
stLSmax 1.75
LS
s1ES 1.0
stLSmin 0
stLL 1.75
LL
s1LL 1.0
Dynamic Load Allowance (IM) is applied to the truck and tandem. From LRFD [3.6.2.2], IM of
buried components varies with depth of cover above the structure and is calculated as:
IM 33 1.0 0.125 Hs
(where HS is in feet)
If IM is less than 0, use IM = 0
January 2015
IM 16.50
IM 16.50
36E1-9
E36-1.6.2 Dead Load Moments and Shears

The unfactored dead load moments and shears for each component are listed below (values
are per 1-foot width and are in kip-ft and kip, respectively):
Exterior Wall
Unfactored Dead Load Moments (kip-ft)
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
DC
EV
EH
LS
DW
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
-1.52
-1.42
-1.31
-1.21
-1.10
-1.00
-0.89
-0.79
-0.68
-0.58
-0.48
-1.44
-1.54
-1.63
-1.73
-1.82
-1.91
-2.01
-2.10
-2.19
-2.29
-2.38
-5.14
-0.12
3.53
5.92
7.14
7.30
6.51
4.87
2.49
-0.54
-4.11
-1.01
-0.14
0.55
1.04
1.34
1.46
1.38
1.12
0.66
0.01
-0.82
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Interior Wall
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
DC
EV
EH
LS
DW
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
January 2015
36E1-10
Top Slab
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
DC
EV
EH
LS
DW
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
-0.04
0.73
1.27
1.60
1.69
1.56
1.21
0.63
-0.18
-1.21
-2.46
-1.14
1.45
3.32
4.48
4.93
4.67
3.69
2.01
-0.39
-3.50
-7.32
-5.47
-4.67
-3.87
-3.07
-2.27
-1.47
-0.67
0.13
0.93
1.72
2.52
-1.18
-1.00
-0.83
-0.66
-0.49
-0.32
-0.15
0.03
0.20
0.37
0.54
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Bottom Slab
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
DC
EV
EH
LS
DW
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
-0.60
1.36
2.76
3.61
3.91
3.65
2.85
1.49
-0.42
-2.88
-5.89
-0.17
2.26
3.98
4.99
5.29
4.87
3.75
1.91
-0.64
-3.90
-7.88
-7.63
-6.51
-5.39
-4.27
-3.15
-2.03
-0.90
0.22
1.34
2.46
3.58
-1.42
-1.21
-1.00
-0.79
-0.59
-0.38
-0.17
0.04
0.25
0.46
0.67
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
January 2015
36E1-11
Exterior Wall
Unfactored Dead Load Shears (kip)
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
DC
EV
EH
LS
DW
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
-0.08
-0.08
-0.08
-0.08
-0.08
-0.08
-0.08
-0.08
-0.08
-0.08
-0.08
4.78
3.60
2.50
1.49
0.56
-0.27
-1.03
-1.69
-2.27
-2.76
-3.17
0.73
0.59
0.45
0.30
0.16
0.01
-0.13
-0.27
-0.42
-0.56
-0.71
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Interior Wall
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
DC
EV
EH
LS
DW
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
January 2015
36E1-12
Top Slab
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
DC
EV
EH
LS
DW
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
0.74
0.55
0.36
0.17
-0.01
-0.20
-0.39
-0.58
-0.76
-0.95
-1.14
2.45
1.86
1.26
0.67
0.08
-0.52
-1.11
-1.70
-2.30
-2.89
-3.48
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.67
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Bottom Slab
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
DC
EV
EH
LS
DW
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.86
1.40
0.94
0.48
0.02
-0.44
-0.90
-1.36
-1.82
-2.28
-2.74
2.32
1.73
1.14
0.54
-0.05
-0.64
-1.24
-1.83
-2.42
-3.01
-3.61
0.94
0.94
0.94
0.94
0.94
0.94
0.94
0.94
0.94
0.94
0.94
0.16
0.16
0.16
0.16
0.16
0.16
0.16
0.16
0.16
0.16
0.16
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
The DC values are the component dead loads and include the self weight of the culvert and
haunch (if applicable).
The DW values are the dead loads from the future wearing surface (DW values occur only if
there is no fill on the culvert).
The EV values are the vertical earth loads from the fill on top of the box culvert.
The EH values are the horizontal earth loads from the fill on the sides of the box culvert.
The LS values are the live load surcharge loads (assuming LSht 2.2 feet of surcharge)
January 2015
36E1-13
E36-1.6.3 Live Load Moments and Shears

The unfactored live load load moments and shears (per lane including impact) are listed below
(values are in kip-ft and kips, respectively). A separate analysis run will be required if results
without impact are desired.
Exterior Wall
Unfactored Live Load Moments (kip-ft)
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
Truck
Max
0.73
0.67
0.61
0.55
0.48
0.42
0.37
0.41
0.47
0.55
0.65
Tandem
Min
-1.74
-1.70
-1.67
-1.65
-1.68
-1.82
-1.97
-2.12
-2.28
-2.44
-2.61
Max
0.74
0.69
0.65
0.62
0.60
0.58
0.56
0.56
0.61
0.68
0.77
Min
-1.77
-1.92
-2.07
-2.21
-2.36
-2.51
-2.69
-2.86
-3.04
-3.21
-3.39
Interior Wall
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
January 2015
Truck
Max
0.99
0.93
0.92
0.90
0.90
1.08
1.27
1.47
1.69
1.92
2.17
Tandem
Min
-0.99
-0.93
-0.92
-0.90
-0.90
-1.08
-1.27
-1.47
-1.69
-1.92
-2.17
Max
0.88
0.99
1.12
1.25
1.38
1.54
1.74
1.99
2.24
2.50
2.75
Min
-0.88
-0.99
-1.12
-1.25
-1.38
-1.53
-1.74
-1.99
-2.24
-2.50
-2.75
36E1-14
Top Slab
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
Truck
Max
0.81
2.24
3.81
5.06
5.71
5.76
5.22
4.13
2.56
0.86
0.07
Tandem
Min
-1.76
-0.34
-0.27
-0.49
-0.75
-1.04
-1.34
-1.64
-1.96
-3.59
-5.89
Max
0.65
1.83
4.23
5.92
6.78
6.90
6.21
4.74
2.54
0.76
0.06
Min
-2.16
-0.20
-0.32
-0.66
-1.04
-1.43
-1.82
-2.22
-2.62
-3.02
-4.81
Bottom Slab
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
January 2015
Truck
Max
0.46
1.72
3.30
4.25
4.60
4.39
3.68
2.56
1.18
0.00
0.00
Tandem
Min
-0.67
-0.29
-0.76
-1.06
-1.24
-1.34
-1.39
-1.46
-1.57
-2.40
-4.90
Max
0.40
2.52
4.46
5.63
6.06
5.82
4.96
3.55
1.62
0.00
0.00
Min
-0.35
-0.32
-0.78
-1.09
-1.30
-1.45
-1.62
-1.86
-2.23
-2.79
-3.75
36E1-15
Exterior Wall
Unfactored Live Load Shears (kip)
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
Truck
Max
0.11
0.11
0.11
0.11
0.11
0.11
0.11
0.11
0.11
0.11
0.11
Tandem
Min
-0.19
-0.19
-0.19
-0.19
-0.19
-0.19
-0.19
-0.19
-0.19
-0.19
-0.19
Max
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
Min
-0.16
-0.16
-0.16
-0.16
-0.16
-0.16
-0.16
-0.16
-0.16
-0.16
-0.16
Interior Wall
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
January 2015
Truck
Max
0.23
0.23
0.23
0.23
0.23
0.23
0.23
0.23
0.23
0.23
0.23
Tandem
Min
-0.23
-0.23
-0.23
-0.23
-0.23
-0.23
-0.23
-0.23
-0.23
-0.23
-0.23
Max
0.21
0.21
0.21
0.21
0.21
0.21
0.21
0.21
0.21
0.21
0.21
Min
-0.21
-0.21
-0.21
-0.21
-0.21
-0.21
-0.21
-0.21
-0.21
-0.21
-0.21
36E1-16
Top Slab
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
Truck
Max
2.71
2.33
1.95
1.56
1.19
0.85
0.54
0.30
0.14
0.04
0.00
Tandem
Min
-0.26
-0.33
-0.47
-0.69
-1.00
-1.37
-1.74
-2.10
-2.44
-2.76
-3.05
Max
3.24
2.67
2.11
1.59
1.14
0.78
0.49
0.27
0.12
0.04
0.00
Min
-0.33
-0.33
-0.33
-0.39
-0.67
-1.03
-1.46
-1.97
-2.54
-3.11
-3.66
Bottom Slab
Tenth Point
(Along Span)
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
January 2015
Truck
Max
2.19
1.61
1.06
0.54
0.06
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.01
0.00
0.00
Tandem
Min
-0.68
-0.48
-0.32
-0.19
-0.11
-0.45
-0.90
-1.33
-1.74
-2.12
-2.48
Max
2.69
1.97
1.29
0.66
0.07
0.00
0.02
0.02
0.01
0.00
0.00
Min
-0.68
-0.48
-0.32
-0.21
-0.14
-0.46
-0.96
-1.40
-1.80
-2.15
-2.46
36E1-17
E36-1.6.4 Factored Moments

WisDOT's policy is to set all of the load modifiers, , equal to 1.0. The factored moments for
each limit state are calculated by applying the appropriate load factors to loads on a 1-foot strip
width of the box culvert. The minimum or maximum load factors may be used on each
component to maximize the load effects. The results are as follows:
Strength 1 Moments
Mstr1 = stDC MDC stDW MDW stEV MEV stEH MEH stLS MLS stLL MLL
Corner Bars
Mstr1CB 17.34
kip-ft
(negative moment)
Positive Moment
Top Slab Bars
Mstr1PTS 19.59
kip-ft
(positive moment)
Positive Moment
Bottom Slab Bars
Mstr1PBS 21.05
kip-ft
(positive moment)
Negative Moment
Top Slab Bars
Mstr1NTS 22.00
kip-ft
(negative moment)
Negative Moment
Bottom Slab Bars
Mstr1NBS 24.77
kip-ft
(negative moment)
Exterior Wall Bars
Mstr1XW 11.90
kip-ft
(positive moment)
Interior Wall Bars
Mstr1IW 4.82
kip-ft
(positive moment)
Service 1 Moments
Ms1 = s1DC MDC s1DW MDW s1EV MEV s1EH MEH s1LS MLS s1LL MLL
Corner Bars
Ms1CB 11.18
kip-ft
(negative moment)
Positive Moment
Top Slab Bars
Ms1PTS 11.66
kip-ft
(positive moment)
Positive Moment
Bottom Slab Bars
Ms1PBS 12.32
kip-ft
(positive moment)
Negative Moment
Top Slab Bars
Ms1NTS 13.15
kip-ft
(negative moment)
Negative Moment
Bottom Slab Bars
Ms1NBS 15.08
kip-ft
(negative moment)
Exterior Wall Bars
Ms1XW 6.43
kip-ft
(positive moment)
Interior Wall Bars
Ms1IW 2.75
kip-ft
(positive moment)
January 2015
36E1-18
E36-1.7 Design Reinforcement Bars

Design of the corner bars is illustrated below. Calculations for bars in other locations are
similar.
Design Criteria:
For corner bars, use the controlling thickness between the slab and wall. The height of the
concrete design section is:
h min tts tbs twex
in
h 12.00
Use a 1'-0" design width:

b 12.0
width of the concrete design section, in
cover 2.0
concrete cover, in
Mstr1CB 17.34
design strength moment, kip-ft
Ms1CB 11.18
design service moment, kip-ft
fs fy
reinforcement yield strength, ksi
BarNo 5
assume #5 bars (for ds calculation)
Note: The calculations here use 2" cover for

the top slab and walls. Use 3" cover for the
bottom of the bottom slab (not shown here).
fy 60.00
ksi
bar diameter, in
BarD BarNo 0.63
Calculate the estimated distance from extreme compression fiber to the centroid of the
nonprestressed tensile reinforcement. LRFD [5.7.3.2.2]
ds_i h cover
BarD BarNo
ds_i 9.69
in
For reinforced concrete cast-in-place box structures, f 0.90 per LRFD [Table 12.5.5-1].
Calculate the coefficient of resistance:
Rn
Mstr1CB 12
f b ds_i
Rn 0.21
ksi
Calculate the reinforcement ratio:

0.85
January 2015
f'c
fy
1.0
0.85 f'c
2 Rn
0.0035
36E1-19
Calculate the required area of steel:

As_req'd b ds_i
in2
As_req'd 0.41
Given the required area of steel of As_req'd 0.41 , try #5 bars at 7.5" spacing:
BarNo 5
bar size
spacing 7.5
bar spacing, in
The area of one reinforcing bar is:
As_1bar BarA BarNo
As_1bar 0.31
in2
Calculate the area of steel in a 1'-0" width

As_1bar
As
spacing
As 0.50
in2
12
Check that the area of steel provided is larger than the required area of steel
Is As 0.50 in2 > As_req'd 0.41 in2
check "OK"
Recalculate dc and ds based on the actual bar size used.

dc cover
BarD BarNo
ds h cover
BarD BarNo
dc 2.31
in
ds 9.69
in
Per LRFD [5.7.2.2], The factor 1 shall be taken as 0.85 for concrete strengths not exceeding
4.0 ksi. For concrete strengths exceeding 4.0 ksi, 1 shall be reduced at a rate of 0.05 for each
1.0 ksi of strength in excess of 4.0 ksi, except that 1 shall not be taken to be less than 0.65.
1 0.85
Per LRFD [5.7.2.1], if
c
0.6 (for f y = 60 ksi) then reinforcement has yielded and the
ds
assumption is correct.
"c" is defined as the distance between the neutral axis and the compression face (inches).
c
As fs
0.85 f' c 1 b
c 0.98
in
Check that the reinforcement will yield:

Is
c
0.10 < 0.6?
ds
January 2015
check "OK"
therefore, the reinforcement will yield
36E1-20
Calculate the nominal moment capacity of the rectangular section in accordance with LRFD
[5.7.3.2.3]:
a 1 c
a 0.83
a 1
Mn As fs ds
2 12
Mn 23.0
in
kip-ft
For reinforced concrete cast-in-place box structures, f 0.90 LRFD [Table 12.5.5-1].
Therefore the usable capacity is:
Mr f Mn
Mr 20.7
kip-ft
The required capacity:

Corner Moment
Mstr1CB 17.3
kip-ft
Check the section for minimum reinforcement in accordance with LRFD [5.7.3.3.2]:
b 12.0
in
width of the concrete design section, in
h 12.0
in
height of the concrete design section, in

modulus of rupture, ksi LRFD [5.4.2.6]
fr 0.24 f'c
Ig
h
2
1
12
b h
gross moment of inertia, in4
fr 0.45
ksi
Ig 1728.00 in4
distance from the neutral axis to the extreme element
6.0
Ig
Sc
h
section modulus, in3
Sc 288.00
in3
The corresponding cracking moment is:
Mcr = 3 1 fr Sc
therefore,
Mcr = 1.1 fr Sc
Where:
1 1.6
flexural cracking variability factor
3 0.67 ratio of yield strength to ultimate tensile strength of the reinforcement

for A615, Grade 60 reinforcement
1
Mcr 1.1fr Sc
12
January 2015
Mcr 11.9
kip-ft
36E1-21

1.33 Mstr1CB 23.1
Is Mr 20.7 kip-ft greater than the lesser of Mcr and 1.33*Mstr?
kip-ft
check "OK"
Per LRFD [5.7.3.4], the spacing(s) of reinforcement in the layer closest to the tension face
shall satisfy:
s
700 e
s fss
in which:
2 dc
s = 1
dc
0.7 h dc
e 1.0
for Class 1 exposure condition
h 12.0
height of the concrete design section, in
Calculate the ratio of flexural strain at the extreme tension face to the strain at the centroid of
the reinforcement layer nearest the tension face:
s 1
dc
0.7 h dc
s 1.34
Calculate the reinforcement ratio:

As
0.0043
b ds
Calculate the modular ratio:

N
Es
N 8.06
Ec
Calculate fss, the tensile stress in steel reinforcement at the Service I Limit State (ksi). The
moment arm used in the equation below to calculate fss is: (j) (h-dc)
k
( N) ( 2 N) N
j 1
j 0.9233
3
service moment, kip-ft
Ms1CB 11.18
fss
k 0.2301
Ms1CB 12
As ( j ) h dc
< 0.6 fy
fss 30.23
ksi
< 0.6 fy O.K.
Calculate the maximum spacing requirements per LRFD [5.10.3.2]:
January 2015
36E1-22

700 e
2 dc
smax1 12.64
in
smax2 min ( 1.5 h 18 )
smax2 18.00
in
smax 12.64
in
smax1
s fss
smax min smax1 smax2
Check that the provided spacing is less than the maximum allowable spacing
Is spacing 7.50 in < smax 12.64 in
check "OK"
Calculate the minimum spacing requirements per LRFD [5.10.3.1]. The clear distance between
parallel bars in a layer shall not be less than:
Smin1 1.5 BarD BarNo

Smin2 1.5 1.5
Smin3 1.5
(maximum aggregate size = 1.5 inches)
Smin1 0.94
in
Smin2 2.25
in
in
Is spacing 7.50 in > all minimum spacing requirements?
check "OK"
E36-1.8 Shrinkage and Temperature Reinforcement Check

Check shrinkage and temperature reinforcement criteria for the reinforcement selected in
preceding sections.
The area of reinforcement (As) per foot, for shrinkage and temperature effects, on each face
and in each direction shall satisfy: LRFD [5.10.8]
1.30 b ( h)
As
2 ( b h ) fy
and
0.11 As 0.60
Where:
As = area of reinforcement in each direction and each face
in2

ft
b = least width of component section (in.)

h = least thickness of component section (in.)
fy = specified yield strength of reinforcing bars (ksi) < 75 ksi
Check the minimum required temperature and shrinkage reinforcement, #4 bars at 15", in the
thickest section. For the given cross section, the values for the corner bar design are:
As_4_at_15
January 2015
BarA ( 4)
1.25
As_4_at_15 0.16
in
ft
36E1-23
bTS max tts tbs twex
hTS 12 W1 W2 2 twex twin

fy 60.00
bTS 14.0
in
hTS 324.0
in
ksi
For each face, the required area of steel is:
1.30 bTS hTS

As_TS
2 bTS hTS fy
in
As_TS 0.15
ft
is As_4_at_15 0.16 in2 > As_TS 0.15 in2 ?
check "OK"
is 0.11 < As_4_at_15 < 0.60 ?
check "OK"
Per LRFD [5.10.8], the shrinkage and temperature reinforcement shall not be spaced farther
apart than:
3.0 times the component thickness, or 18.0 in.

12.0 in for walls and footings greater than 18.0 in. thick
12.0 in for other components greater than 36.0 in. thick
smax3 18.00
in
Per LRFD [5.10.3.2], the maximum center to center spacing of adjacent bars shall not exceed
1.5 times the thickness of the member or 18.0 in.
smax4 18.00
in
is the 15" spacing < both maximum spacing requirements?
check "OK"
The results for the other bar locations are shown in the table below:
Results
Location
Mn
AS Req'd
Corner
Pos. Mom. Top Slab
Pos. Mom. Bot. Slab
Neg. Mom. Top Slab
Neg. Mom. Bot. Slab
Exterior Wall
Interior Wall
20.7
21.8
28.9
23.3
28.4
16.9
6.9
0.48
0.49
0.54
0.50
0.54
0.37
0.15
January 2015
AS Actual Bar Size

0.50
0.50
0.57
0.53
0.62
0.40
0.16
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
Smax
Sactual
12.6
13.0
18.0
12.1
13.4
18.0
18.0
7.5
7.5
6.5
7.0
6.0
6.0
15.0
36E1-24
E36-1.9 Distribution Reinforcement

Per LRFD [9.7.3.2], reinforcement shall be placed in the secondary direction in the bottom of
slabs as a percentage of the primary reinforcement for positive moment as follows:
Distribution steel is not required when the depth of fill over the slab exceeds 2 feet, LRFD
[5.14.4.1].
E36-1.10 Reinforcement Details

The reinforcement bar size and spacing required from the strength and serviceability
calcuations above are shown below:
5 1/2"
Class C
Splice
Exterior Wall Bars

#4 @ 6 (Typ.)
Exterior Dowel Bars

#4 @ 6 (Typ.)
January 2015
Temperature Bars
#4 @ 15
(Typ. both slabs)
Construction
Joint (Typ.)
Positive Moment
Bottom Slab Bars
#5 @ 6.5
Negative Moment
Top Slab Bars #5 @ 7
Interior Wall Bars

#4 @ 15
Temperature Bars
#4 @ 15
(Typ. all wall faces)
Class C
Splice
Corner Bars
#5 @ 7.5 (Typ.)
Positive Moment
Top Slab Bars
#5 @ 7.5
Interior Dowel Bars

#4 @ 15
Negative Moment
Bottom Slab Bars
#5 @ 6
36E1-25
E36-1.11 Cutoff Locations

Determine the cutoff locations for the corner bars. Per [36.6.1], the distance "L" is computed
from the maximum negative moment envelope for the top slab.
The cutoff lengths are in feet, measured from the inside face of the exterior wall.
Initial Cutoff Locations:
The initial cutoff locations are determined from the inflection points of the moment diagrams.
Corner Bars
CutOff1CBH_i 2.64
CutOff2CBH_i 1.57
Horizontal
CutOff2CBV_i 2.37
Vertical
Positive Moment
Top Slab Bars
CutOff1PTS_i 1.26
CutOff2PTS_i 1.86
Positive Moment
Bottom Slab Bars
CutOff1PBS_i 1.27
CutOff2PBS_i 1.97
Negative Moment
Top Slab Bars
CutOff1NTS_i 8.63
CutOff2NTS_i 10.32
Negative Moment
Bottom Slab Bars
CutOff1NBS_i 8.97
CutOff2NBS_i 10.56
For the second cutoff location for each component, the following checks shall be completed:
Check the section for minimum reinforcement in accordance with LRFD [5.7.3.3.2]:
The required capacity at the second cutoff location (for the vertical leg of the corner bar):
Mstr1CBV2 7.89
strength moment at the second cutoff location, kip-ft
The usable capacity of the remaining bars is calculated as follows:

As
As2
2
As2 fs
As2 0.25
in2
c2 0.49
in
a2 1 c2
a2 0.42
in
a2 1
Mn2 As2 fs ds

2 12
Mn2 11.8 kip-ft
Mr2 f Mn2
Mr2 10.6
c2
0.85 f' c 1 b
January 2015
kip-ft
36E1-26
Is Mr2 10.6 kip-ft greater than the lesser of Mcr and 1.33*Mstr?
check "OK"
Mcr 11.9
kip-ft
1.33 Mstr1CBV2 10.5
kip-ft
Calculate fss, the tensile stress in steel reinforcement at the Service I Limit State (ksi).
service moment at the second cutoff location, kip-ft
Ms1CBV2 3.43
fss2
Ms1CBV2 12
As ( j ) h dc
fss 30.23
ksi
Calculate the maximum spacing requirements per LRFD [5.10.3.2]:

smax2_1
700 e
s fss2
2 dc
smax2_2 smax2
smax min smax2_1 smax2_2
smax2_1 51.69
in
smax2_2 18.00
in
smax 18.00
in
Check that the provided spacing (for half of the bars) is less than the maximum allowable
spacing
spacing2 2 spacing
Is spacing2 15.00 in < smax 18.00 in
January 2015
spacing2 15.00
in
check "OK"
36E1-27
Extension Lengths:
The extension lengths for the corner bars are shown below. Calculations for other bars are
similar.
Extension lengths for general reinforcement per LRFD [5.11.1.2.1]:
MaxDepth max tts cover twex cover tbs coverbot

MaxDepth
Effective member depth
15 x bar diameter
1/20 times clear span
1
BarD BarNo_CB
2
12
15 BarD BarNo_CB
12
max W1 W2
20
0.78
MaxDepth 11.00
0.89
in
ft
ft
ft
0.60
The maximum of the values listed above:

ft
ExtendLength_genCB 0.89
Extension lengths for negative moment reinforcement per LRFD [5.11.1.2.3]:

MaxDepth
Effective member depth
12 x bar diameter
1
BarD BarNo_CB
2
12
12 BarD BarNo_CB
0.63
ft
0.0625 times clear span 0.0625 max W1 W2 0.75
ft
12
0.89
ft
The maximum of the values listed above:

ExtendLength_negCB 0.89
ft
The development length:

DevLengthCB 1.00
January 2015
ft
36E1-28
The extension lengths for general reinforcment for the other bars are:
Corner Bars
ExtendLength_genCB 0.89
ft
Positive Moment Top Slab Bars
ExtendLength_genPTS 0.85
ft
Positive Moment Bottom Slab Bars
ExtendLength_genPBS 0.97
ft
Negative Moment Top Slab Bars
ExtendLength_genNTS 0.85
ft
Negative Moment Bottom Slab Bars
ExtendLength_genNBS 0.97
ft
The extension lengths for negative moment reinforcment for the other bars are:
Corner Bars
ExtendLength_negCB 0.89
ft
Positive Moment Top Slab Bars
ExtendLength_negPTS 0.85
ft
Positive Moment Bottom Slab Bars
ExtendLength_negPBS 0.97
ft
Negative Moment Top Slab Bars
ExtendLength_negNTS 0.85
ft
Negative Moment Bottom Slab Bars
ExtendLength_negNBS 0.97
ft
January 2015
36E1-29
The final cutoff locations (measured from the inside face of the exterior wall) are:
Corner Bars
Positive Moment
Top Slab Bars
CutOff1CBH 3.53
CutOff2CBH 2.46
Horizontal
CutOff2CBV 3.26
Vertical
CutOff1PTS "Run Bar Entire Width of Box"

CutOff2PTS 1.02
Positive Moment
Bottom Slab Bars
CutOff1PBS "Run Bar Entire Width of Box"

CutOff2PBS 1.00
Negative Moment
Top Slab Bars
CutOff1NTS 7.78
CutOff2NTS 9.47
Negative Moment
Bottom Slab Bars
CutOff1NBS 7.99
CutOff2NBS 9.59
The cutoff locations for the corner bars are shown below. Other bars are similar.
3'-6
2'-5
Class C
Splice
3'-4
Corner Bars
#5 @ 7.5 (Typ.)
3'-4
2'-5
3'-6
January 2015
36E1-30
E36-1.12 Shear Analysis

Analyze walls and slabs for shear
E36-1.12.1 Factored Shears

WisDOT's policy is to set all of the load modifiers, , equal to 1.0. The factored shears for
each limit state are calculated by applying the appropriate load factors to loads on a 1-foot strip
width of the box culvert. The minimum or maximum load factors may be used on each
component to maximize the load effects. The results are as follows:
Strength 1 Shears
Vstr1 = stDC VDC stDW VDW stEV VEV stEH VEH stLS VLS stLL VLL
Exterior Wall
Vstr1XW 8.69
kip
Interior Wall
Vstr1IW 0.40
kip
Top Slab
Vstr1TS 12.20
kip
Bottom Slab
Vstr1BS 12.16
kip
Service 1 Shears
Vs1 = s1DC VDC s1DW VDW s1EV VEV s1EH VEH s1LS VLS s1LL VLL
Exterior Wall
Vs1XW 5.64
kip
Interior Wall
Vs1IW 0.23
kip
Top Slab
Vs1TS 7.62
kip
Bottom Slab
Vs1BS 7.96
kip
E36-1.12.2 Concrete Shear Resistance

Check that the nominal shear resistance, Vn , of the concrete in the top slab is adequate for
shear without shear reinforcement per LRFD [5.14.5.3].
As Vu ds
Vn = Vc = 0.0676 f'c 4.6
b ds 0.126 f'c b ds
b ds M u
f' c 3.5
As_TS 0.53
area of reinforcing steel in the design width, in2 /ft width
h tts
height of concrete design section, in
January 2015
h 12.50
in
36E1-31
Calculate ds, the distance from extreme compression fiber to the centroid of the nonprestressed
tensile reinforcement:
ds h cover
BarD BarNo
Vu Vstr1TS
ds 10.19
in
Vu 12.2
kips
Mu 264.01
factored moment occurring simultaneously with Vu , kip-in
b 12
design width, in
For reinforced concrete cast-in-place box structures, v 0.85 , LRFD [Table 12.5.5-1].
Vu ds
shall not be taken to be greater than 1.0
Mu
Vu ds
Mu
0.47
As_TS Vu ds
Vr1s v 0.0676 f' c 4.6
b ds Vr1s 14.1
Mu
b ds
but <
Vr2s v 0.126 f'c b ds
Vrs min Vr1s Vr2s
< 1.0 OK
kips
Vr2s 24.5
kips
Vrs 14.1
kips
Check that the provided shear capacity is adequate:
Note:
Is Vu 12.2 kip < Vrs 14.1 kip ?
check "OK"
For single-cell box culverts only, Vc for slabs monolithic with walls
need not be taken to be less than:
0.0948 f'c b ds
Vc for slabs simply supported need not be taken to be less than:
0.0791 f'c b ds
LRFD [5.8] and LRFD [5.13.3.6] apply to slabs of box culverts with less than 2.0 ft of fill.
Check that the nominal shear resistance, Vn , of the concrete in the walls is adequate for shear
without shear reinforcement per LRFD [5.8.3.3]. Calculations shown are for the exterior wall.
Vn = V = 0.0316 f' c bv dv 0.25 f' c bv dv
c
2
LRFD [5.8.3.4.1]
f' c 3.5
bv 12
effective width, in
h twex
height of concrete design section, in
January 2015
h 12.00
in
36E1-32
Distance from extreme compression fiber to the centroid of the nonprestressed tensile
reinforcement:
ds h cover
BarD BarNo
in
ds 9.69
The effective shear depth taken as the distance, measured perpendicular to the neutral axis,
between the resultants of the tensile and compressive forces due to flexure; LRFD [5.8.2.9]
a
dv_i = ds
2
from earlier calculations:
1 0.85
ksi
fs 60
As_XW 0.40
in2
The distance between the neutral axis and the compression face:
c
As_XW fs
0.85 f' c 1 bv
a 1 c
c 0.79
in
a 0.67
in
The effective shear depth:

a
dv_i ds
2
dv_i 9.35
dv need not be taken to be less than the greater of 0.9 ds or 0.72h (in.)
dv max dv_i max 0.9ds 0.72twex
in
dv 9.35
0.9 ds 8.72
0.72 twex 8.64
For reinforced concrete cast-in-place box structures, v 0.85 , LRFD [Table 12.5.5-1].
Vr1w v 0.0316 f' c bv dv
Vr1w 11
kips
Vr2w 83
kips
Vrw min Vr1w Vr2w
Vrw 11
kips
Vu Vstr1XW
Vu 8.7
kips
but <
Vr2w v 0.25 f'c bv dv
Check that the provided shear capacity is adequate:
January 2015
36E1-33

Is Vu 8.7 kip < Vrw 11.3 kip ?
January 2015

check "OK"
36E1-34

Ch-36 LRFD Wisdot Box Culvert

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WisDOT Bridge Manual

Chapter 36 Box Culverts

36.1 Design Method ................................................................................................................. 4

WisDOT Bridge Manual

Chapter 36 Box Culverts

36.4.6.1 Depth of Fill Less than 2.0 ft............................................................................ 17

WisDOT Bridge Manual

Chapter 36 Box Culverts

36.11.3 Nameplate ............................................................................................................ 42

WisDOT Bridge Manual

Chapter 36 Box Culverts

36.1 Design Method

36.1.2 Rating Requirements

WisDOT Policy Item:

36.1.3 Standard Permit Design Check

WisDOT Bridge Manual

Chapter 36 Box Culverts

36.2.1 Material Properties

specified compressive strength of concrete at 28 days, based on cylinder

3.5 ksi for concrete in box culverts

60 ksi, specified minimum yield strength of reinforcement (Grade 60)

29,000 ksi, modulus of elasticity of steel reinforcement LRFD [5.4.3.2]

modulus of elasticity of concrete in box LRFD [5.4.2.4]

WisDOT Bridge Manual

Chapter 36 Box Culverts

0.15 kcf, unit weight of concrete

Es / Ec = 8, modular ratio LRFD [5.7.1]

36.2.2 Bridge or Culvert

Susceptible to ice and frost

Natural bottom for waterway

Silting in multiple barrel

36.2.3 Staged Construction for Box Culverts

WisDOT Bridge Manual

Chapter 36 Box Culverts

36.3 Limit States Design Method

Load modifier (a function of D, R, and i)

Force effect: moment, shear, stress range or deformation caused by

Total factored force effect

Nominal resistance: resistance of a component to force effects

See 17.2.2 for load modifier values.

36.3.2 Limit States

WisDOT Policy Item:

WisDOT Bridge Manual

Chapter 36 Box Culverts

36.3.3 Load Factors

Dead Load-Wearing Surface

Vertical Earth Pressure

Horizontal Earth Pressure

Live Load Surcharge

36.3.4 Strength Limit State

36.3.4.1 Factored Resistance

WisDOT Bridge Manual

Chapter 36 Box Culverts

36.3.4.2 Moment Capacity

36.3.4.3 Shear Capacity

36.3.4.3.1 Depth of Fill Greater than or Equal to 2.0 ft.

Shear resistance of the concrete (kip)

Area of reinforcing steel in the design width (in2)

WisDOT Bridge Manual

Chapter 36 Box Culverts

Effective depth from extreme compression fiber to the centroid of the

Factored shear (kip)

Factored moment, occurring simultaneously with Vu (kip-in)